Ancient Greek Terracotta Early Helladic Terracotta Jug with Strap Handle - 11.5 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Ancient Greek Early Helladic II terracotta jug with strap handle, dating to ca. 2650–2150 BC, 11 cm wide, 11.5 cm high and 11 cm deep, from a private German collection acquired in 2025 with age‑related wear and an original/official authenticity label.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
formed part of everyday material culture in Early Bronze Age settlements on the Greek mainland.
Typological Comparison
A close typological comparison can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession number 27.120.5.
The museum catalogues the comparative vessel as:
“Small terracotta jug – Helladic – Early Helladic II – ca. 2650–2150 BCE.”
The Met example is likewise made of coarse terracotta and measures 11.6 cm in height.
The comparison supports an attribution of the present vessel to the Early Helladic ceramic tradition of the Early Bronze Age. The museum example is cited solely as a typological comparison and does not imply an attribution to the same workshop or archaeological find context.
Reference:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession No. 27.120.5
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/252903
Condition
Age-related state of preservation.
The vessel retains its fundamental form, including the body, neck, mouth and handle. The surface displays substantial age-related encrustations and mineral deposits, together with wear, discolouration and minor chips.
There are several small areas of surface loss or flaking on the body. The rim displays age-related wear and minor irregularities.
The handle is preserved and likewise shows surface wear and deposits.
Reddish-brown areas and possible remnants of the original surface treatment are partially preserved.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
formed part of everyday material culture in Early Bronze Age settlements on the Greek mainland.
Typological Comparison
A close typological comparison can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession number 27.120.5.
The museum catalogues the comparative vessel as:
“Small terracotta jug – Helladic – Early Helladic II – ca. 2650–2150 BCE.”
The Met example is likewise made of coarse terracotta and measures 11.6 cm in height.
The comparison supports an attribution of the present vessel to the Early Helladic ceramic tradition of the Early Bronze Age. The museum example is cited solely as a typological comparison and does not imply an attribution to the same workshop or archaeological find context.
Reference:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession No. 27.120.5
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/252903
Condition
Age-related state of preservation.
The vessel retains its fundamental form, including the body, neck, mouth and handle. The surface displays substantial age-related encrustations and mineral deposits, together with wear, discolouration and minor chips.
There are several small areas of surface loss or flaking on the body. The rim displays age-related wear and minor irregularities.
The handle is preserved and likewise shows surface wear and deposits.
Reddish-brown areas and possible remnants of the original surface treatment are partially preserved.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Details
Culture
Ancient Greek
Century/timeframe
Early Helladic II, ca. 2650–2150 BC
Name of object
Early Helladic Terracotta Jug with Strap Handle
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
11.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
11 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
11 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
