Roman-Nabataean Terracotta Bird Vessel – Swan or Long-Necked Water Bird - 6 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
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Roman-Nabataean terracotta bird vessel in the form of a long-necked swan, dating to the 1st–2nd century AD, with incised feather decoration and a suspension perforation, dimensions 6 × 6.5 × 3.5 cm, acquired from a private collection (Dammann Collection, Germany), authentic and in fair condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An unusual Roman-Nabataean terracotta vessel modelled in the form of a long-necked bird, possibly a swan, dating to approximately the 1st–2nd century AD.
The compact rounded body forms the container, while a remarkably long, slightly outward-curving neck terminates in an open mouth. The proportions give the vessel a distinctive silhouette and suggest the representation of a swan or another long-necked water bird.
Both sides are decorated with deeply incised, fan-shaped lines representing the wings and feathers.
A particularly interesting feature is the circular perforation within a raised projection on the upper body, probably intended for suspension or attachment.
The vessel is made from orange to reddish-fired terracotta. Beige, grey-green and darker earthy or mineral deposits are preserved across the ancient surface.
Comparable Roman-Nabataean bird-shaped vessels with incised plumage and pierced suspension elements are known from the 1st–2nd century AD.
The open neck confirms its function as a small vessel rather than simply a figurine. It may originally have contained oil, perfume, ointment or another valuable liquid, although its original contents cannot be determined.
Condition
Good condition considering its age.
The body and characteristic long neck with open mouth are preserved. Age-related surface wear, minor chips and irregularities, with earthy and mineral deposits and areas of darker discolouration.
The incised feather decoration remains clearly visible on both sides, and the ancient suspension perforation is preserved.
No major modern additions or restorations are apparent from the photographs.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.
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.
An unusual Roman-Nabataean terracotta vessel modelled in the form of a long-necked bird, possibly a swan, dating to approximately the 1st–2nd century AD.
The compact rounded body forms the container, while a remarkably long, slightly outward-curving neck terminates in an open mouth. The proportions give the vessel a distinctive silhouette and suggest the representation of a swan or another long-necked water bird.
Both sides are decorated with deeply incised, fan-shaped lines representing the wings and feathers.
A particularly interesting feature is the circular perforation within a raised projection on the upper body, probably intended for suspension or attachment.
The vessel is made from orange to reddish-fired terracotta. Beige, grey-green and darker earthy or mineral deposits are preserved across the ancient surface.
Comparable Roman-Nabataean bird-shaped vessels with incised plumage and pierced suspension elements are known from the 1st–2nd century AD.
The open neck confirms its function as a small vessel rather than simply a figurine. It may originally have contained oil, perfume, ointment or another valuable liquid, although its original contents cannot be determined.
Condition
Good condition considering its age.
The body and characteristic long neck with open mouth are preserved. Age-related surface wear, minor chips and irregularities, with earthy and mineral deposits and areas of darker discolouration.
The incised feather decoration remains clearly visible on both sides, and the ancient suspension perforation is preserved.
No major modern additions or restorations are apparent from the photographs.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.
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
Roman-Nabataean
Century/timeframe
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–2nd century AD
Name of object
Bird Vessel – Swan or Long-Necked Water Bird
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
6 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
6.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
3.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
