INDUS VALLEY TERRACOTTA CYLINDRICAL VESSEL WITH FISH

Ca. 3000-2500 BC
A terracotta vessel adorned with a fish motif. It features a broad, cylindrical body with a flat base and a flat shoulder, providing a stable and functional form. The vessel's decoration is centered around two fish, separated by polychrome geometric motifs, which adds a visual focal point and narrative to the piece. The fish motif holds great significance within the Indus Valley civilization, symbolizing elements such as fertility, abundance, and the connection to water and aquatic life. The choice to depict fish on this vessel demonstrates the cultural and religious symbolism associated with these creatures during that era. The shoulder of the terracotta vessel is embellished with a zigzag decoration that frames the mouth of the vessel. Indus Valley ceramic production was characterized by its technical excellence and artistic sophistication. The civilization's potters displayed mastery in pottery-making techniques, evident in the vessel's precise shaping, smooth surface, and careful execution of decorative elements. The utilization of terracotta as the primary material highlights its abundance and accessibility during the period.
Size: L:70mm / W:185mm ; 595g
Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s.
Estimate: GBP 200 - 300