Indus Valley Terracotta Vessel with Polychromatic Zoomorphic Figures (No Reserve Price)
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Vessel with Polychromatic Zoomorphic Figures, an Indus Valley terracotta vessel that is cylindrical with a carinated base and raised foot, decorated with two panels of zoomorphic and geometric motifs and measuring about 9.6 cm high by 12.3 cm wide.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A terracotta vessel from the Indus Valley Civilisation adorned with polychromatic zoomorphic figures. The vessel is cylindrical in shape, featuring high and slightly concave walls, and carinated base with a raised circular foot. The body is decorated with rectangular panels, one with zoomorphic figures and one with a geometric motif. One panel depicts a winged figure, likely a bird, with a hooked beak and a standing quadruped, depicted with curving horns, possibly a bull. Geometric shapes decorate the background of this panel. The other panel features a complex geometric motif in red and green. The bodies of the animals are outlined in black and decorated with red and green geometric or striped patterns. The panels are separated by striped sections, similarly filled with pigments. Earthy encrustations and signs of wear, such as minor chips and scratches, to the surface.
The Indus Valley Civilisation was one of three early and widespread cradles of civilisation along with Ancient Egypt and the Near East. At its peak, the Indus Valley Civilisation, which included such sites as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, may have had a population of over five million, who developed new techniques in pottery, seal carving, and metallurgy. They were accustomed to creating small terracotta figurines and vessels, many of which took the form of zoomorphic characters.
Measurements:
Measurements: (circa) H 9.6cm x W 12.3cm
Provenance: From the David Gold (deceased) collection, 1970’s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A terracotta vessel from the Indus Valley Civilisation adorned with polychromatic zoomorphic figures. The vessel is cylindrical in shape, featuring high and slightly concave walls, and carinated base with a raised circular foot. The body is decorated with rectangular panels, one with zoomorphic figures and one with a geometric motif. One panel depicts a winged figure, likely a bird, with a hooked beak and a standing quadruped, depicted with curving horns, possibly a bull. Geometric shapes decorate the background of this panel. The other panel features a complex geometric motif in red and green. The bodies of the animals are outlined in black and decorated with red and green geometric or striped patterns. The panels are separated by striped sections, similarly filled with pigments. Earthy encrustations and signs of wear, such as minor chips and scratches, to the surface.
The Indus Valley Civilisation was one of three early and widespread cradles of civilisation along with Ancient Egypt and the Near East. At its peak, the Indus Valley Civilisation, which included such sites as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, may have had a population of over five million, who developed new techniques in pottery, seal carving, and metallurgy. They were accustomed to creating small terracotta figurines and vessels, many of which took the form of zoomorphic characters.
Measurements:
Measurements: (circa) H 9.6cm x W 12.3cm
Provenance: From the David Gold (deceased) collection, 1970’s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Indus Valley
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 2500-2000 BC
Name of object
Vessel with Polychromatic Zoomorphic Figures
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
