Naqada jar with zigzag pattern

Culture

Pre-dynastic period, Naqada II c. 3500-3200 B.C.

Size

16 cm

Provenance

Dutch collection since 2025.

From a North German collection; purchased in 1984 from the Galerie Antiker Kunst Dr. Serop Simonian. Provenance and age for auction confirmed by Dr. Hornbostel (formerly of the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg).

Description

A jar with an ovoid body with two ring-shaped handles on the shoulder. The walls are decorated with a continuous red zigzag-line pattern.

The zigzag lines on the sides of this jar, made before writing by hierglypghs began, later became the hieroglyph for water.

Stand included. 

Condition

Some salt deposits on the surface, pattern on certain areas faded.

Parallels

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/nl-NL/objects/3277

Price

€ 1100