Philistine Bichrome Strainer Jug – Iron Age I – Southern Levant – ca. 1150–1000 BC – Bonhams Provenance Ancient Philistine Bichrome Ware strainer jug from the Southern Levant, dating to the Iron Age I period, circa 1150–1000 BC. The vessel has a globular body resting on a ring foot, a tall neck and a loop handle with a small applied decorative element. A particularly interesting feature is the integrated strainer inside the neck, formed by several hand-pierced holes. This characteristic construction is known from Iron Age strainer vessels of the Southern Levant. The vessel is decorated in the characteristic Philistine bichrome style, using reddish and dark brown/black pigments on a light ground. The decoration consists of geometric motifs including curved and spiral elements, cross-hatched fields, bands and horizontal lines. Culture Philistine Period Iron Age I Dating Circa 1150–1000 BC Region Southern Levant / Ancient Canaan Material Terracotta / pottery Type Strainer jug Provenance From a private collection. The vessel is accompanied by an old Bonhams auction label, inscribed: “3rd July 2002 – 316/30” The reverse of the label bears the number: “63104” The original old Bonhams label shown in the photographs is included with the object. Condition Authentic archaeological condition with extensive age-related surface wear, deposits, abrasions and losses to the painted decoration. The upper section of the neck and the rim are substantially incomplete, with a large old loss clearly visible in the photographs. The globular body, handle, ring foot, strainer and substantial areas of the original bichrome decoration remain preserved. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description. An attractive and historically significant example of Philistine Bichrome pottery from the early Iron Age, distinguished by its preserved strainer construction, geometric bichrome decoration and old Bonhams auction provenance.