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Ruth Garrido Vila

ITEM: Jug
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Bronze Age
PERIOD: 2nd millenium B.C
DIMENSIONS: 135 mm x 80 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired before 1990s

The Bronze Age marked a transformative leap in ceramic production as societies transitioned from simple, handmade vessels to more specialized and decorated wares. With the introduction of the slow potter’s wheel in various regions, artisans were able to achieve greater symmetry and thinner walls, reflecting a growing sophistication in craft. This era also saw the emergence of distinct regional styles, such as the elegant, long-spouted "beak-spouted" jugs of the Minoan civilization and the sturdy, cord-marked vessels of the Corded Ware culture in Europe. These advancements were not merely technical; they signaled a shift toward mass production and the standardization of forms.

Beyond their practical utility for storing grain, oil, and wine, these pottery items became essential canvases for cultural expression and social signaling. Intricate painted motifs—ranging from geometric patterns to maritime life and floral designs—often adorned vessels used in elite feasting or religious rituals. The durability of ceramic material has allowed archaeologists to use these varying styles as "diagnostic markers" to trace the migration of peoples, the boundaries of ancient empires, and the evolution of aesthetic tastes across centuries. In many cultures, high-quality pottery was even buried with the dead, serving as a status symbol for the afterlife.

As trade networks expanded across the Mediterranean, the Near East, and Asia, pottery became one of the first truly global commodities. The exchange of ceramic goods facilitated a "cross-pollination" of ideas, where potters would imitate the shapes and decorative techniques of distant neighbors. For instance, some Bronze Age ceramics were specifically designed to mimic the appearance of expensive hammered metalwork, featuring sharp angles and lustrous slips. This interplay between clay and metal, combined with the logistical need for transportable containers, ensured that pottery remained the backbone of economic and domestic life until the dawn of the Iron Age.

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license.

If you bid outside the European union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.

2nd millenium B.C

Bronze Age Pottery Jug  (No reserve price)

Archaeology

Reserve price

No reserve price

Budget

From

Closing date

Saturday

Thursday

Sunday

1 September

Wednesday

today

Friday

tomorrow

24 August

Location

The Netherlands

United Kingdom

Belgium

Spain

Italy

France

Germany

Austria

Hong Kong

Czech Republic

Poland

United States

Romania

Japan

Portugal

Denmark

Norway

Size

XS (under 10 cm)

S (10–40 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

L (over 80 cm)

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Ring

Ancient sculptures carvings and figurines

Ancient jewellery and beads

Figurine

Carved mineral

Necklace

Ancient tools

Vase

Pendant

Figure

Cameo

Ancient artwork

Diorama

Earrings

Statue

Raw mineral

Arrow head

Metaphysical stones

Bracelet

Ancient vessels

Ancient lanterns and oil lamps

Ancient weapons and armour

Sculpture

Country of origin

Netherlands

Unknown

Europe

Asia

China

Thailand

Hungary

Myanmar/Burma

Greece

Cambodia

Madagascar

Sweden

Nepal

Bangladesh

Laos

Switzerland

Africa

Material

Bronze

Terracotta

Silver

Glass

Pottery

Ceramic

Faience

Gold-plated

Stone

Bone

Iron

Stoneware

Lead

Flint

Steatite

Alabaster

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Earthenware

Jasper

Wood

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Plaster

Patinated bronze

Gender

Women

Unisex

Condition

Good

Excellent

Very good

Fair

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Very good +

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

As new - unused

Fair condition - used with visible signs of wear

Good condition

Excellent condition

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Reasonable

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Poor

Natural

Vintage - used with visible signs of wear

Fair condition

Very good condition, see description

Vintage - used with signs of possible repair

Poor - heavily used with major cracks, damages or major parts missing

Period

1990-2000

2010-2020

2020+

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

1960-1970

1970-1980

2000-2010

Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

2026

Eastern Zhou (770-256 B.C.)

Han Dynasty (206 B.C.- 220 A.D.)

Independence (1947-present)

Northern Song (960-1127)

1950-1960

1980-1990

1920-1930

1550-1600

1650-1700

1750-1800

19th century

Coral

Pearl

Freshwater cultured pearl

Onyx

Turquoise

Blood Coral

Lapis lazuli

Jade

Certification

No laboratory report

Non-CITES species

CITES Appendix I - Source D

CITES Appendix II - Annex B in the EU

Fineness

18 kt.

Subject

Male figures

Historical scene

Animals

Style

Ancient Roman

Ancient Roman, Empire

Archaeology

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Bronze Age Pottery Jug (No reserve price)

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