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 € 250 - € 330
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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 pot is decorated in colours of red, green and black. The body is decorated with rectangular panels, two with zoomorphic figures and two with a geometric motif. One panel depicts a bovine figure with curving horns and a large hump, possibly a bull. On the other side, there is another quadruped with gaping mouth, sharp teeth and its tongue lolling out. 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: W 11.8cm x H 9cm.
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 pot is decorated in colours of red, green and black. The body is decorated with rectangular panels, two with zoomorphic figures and two with a geometric motif. One panel depicts a bovine figure with curving horns and a large hump, possibly a bull. On the other side, there is another quadruped with gaping mouth, sharp teeth and its tongue lolling out. 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: W 11.8cm x H 9cm.
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
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