ITEM: Vessel with decoration
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Indus Valley
PERIOD: 2nd millenium B.C
DIMENSIONS: 90 mm x 127 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, acquired from various auctions houses and collections before 2000, Ex English private collection, Cambridgeshire, thence by descent

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Indus Valley pottery, originating from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3300–1300 BCE), represents a significant aspect of the material culture of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations. The pottery from this region is known for its high quality and diverse forms, including both utilitarian and decorative vessels. Common types of pottery include storage jars, cooking pots, and serving dishes, all of which were crafted using advanced techniques for their time. The pottery was typically wheel-thrown, allowing for uniform shapes and smooth surfaces, and was often finished with a slip, which is a liquid mixture of clay and water, to create a shiny, polished appearance.

One of the most notable features of Indus Valley pottery is its distinctive decoration. Many pots were adorned with intricate geometric patterns, such as grids, zigzags, and diamonds, often applied using a technique called "stamping" or "incising," where designs were pressed into the surface of the wet clay. Some pottery also features naturalistic motifs, such as animals or plants, providing insights into the flora and fauna of the region and reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the Indus people. The use of red and black slip to create contrasting designs further enhanced the visual appeal of these artifacts, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to artistic expression.

Indus Valley pottery also provides valuable information about the socio-economic aspects of the civilization. The variety of pottery types suggests a well-developed system of production and trade, with different forms serving specific functions in daily life. The discovery of pottery at various archaeological sites, including major urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, indicates that these vessels were integral to both domestic activities and long-distance trade.