Ancient Central Asia, Bactrian, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A fascinating greyware container depicting a quadruped - perhaps a horse or camel - supporting a tall vessel emerging from the animal’s back, 3 of its 4 flat-faced walls incised with a gridded pattern. A single handle bridges the head of the animal and the top of the vessel, while a petite tail protrudes from the ungulate's posterior. Additional incised decorative markings adorn his chest. This vessel would have most likely been used as a repository for kohl, the black eye lining material of women of position. An impressive and rare example of utilitarian arts and zoomorphic imagery from ancient Bactria! Size: 4" L x 1.5" W x 4.2" H (10.2 cm x 3.8 cm x 10.7 cm)

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177654

Professionally repaired and restored with some chipping and small losses along visible break lines. Nicks, chips, and abrasions to surface, but form is still clear. Nice remains of incised detail.