STUNNING BACTRIAN CHLORITE BOWL WITH COILED SNAKE DECORATION

Ca. 3000 BC. A flat-bottomed chlorite bowl with straight cylindrical walls. The exterior is completely encircled by a single serpent arranged in successive horizontal coils. Its body is carved throughout with overlapping scales, each turn separated by a recessed groove. The broad head projects above the rim, with large circular eyes and an incised mouth. Size: 140mm x 95mm; Weight: 1.27kg Provenance: London private collection; J. Frickel collection, Germany, acquired in German art gallery in 1960s. German art market and collection, 1970s-2000s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.