Indus Valley Terracotta Chalice with Geometric Decoration

A finely painted terracotta chalice from the Indus Valley civilisation. The vessel features a cylindrical stem with a concave base which expands into a wide, flared body and everted rim. The rim is circled with a dark pigmented band bordered by short vertical strokes which is visible from the interior side of the cup. The body of the vessel is enriched with a main register of geometric designs. The register begins with a thick horizontal line followed by a row of vertical lines, and then a row of repeating zig-zag crosses separated by vertical lines. Three rows of horizontal lines ends the main register. The stem of the chalice is also decorated by a thick black which also presents at the base. Parts of the pigment have faded from age. Earthly encrustation is visible to the surface. Two visible chips to the rim. Minor scratches and cavities to the surface.

The Indus Valley Civilisation extended from what today is northeast Afghanistan to Pakistan and north-west India. It was one of three early and widespread cradles of civilisation along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. 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.

Measurements: Diameter 11. 4 cm x H 10. 3 cm

Provenance: From the David Gold (deceased) collection, 1970’s.