This large and imposing pottery vessel was made and painted over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. 

The geometric and hand (?) patterns were painted on using a mineral-based pigment prior to the vessel being fired in the Neolithic kiln. The meaning, if any, of variations of the decorative patterns seen on this vessel are often debated but as such pottery was made and decorated prior to any form of written record being made, there is no way to know for sure what that meaning may be.

As with many of our finer items, we have had this vessel tested by Oxford Authentications, the only testers of ancient pottery accepted by ALL major dealers, auction houses and museums worldwide, and the Thermoluminescence Analysis Report that will accompany this item is shown with our pictures; this confirms the date of manufacture as "between 3200 and 4900 years ago".

This is a large jar with a height of 36 cm (14 inches). Part of the vulnerable rim and one handle has been repaired. A fine example in very good condition.

This exceptional 4,000 year old work of art would grace any modern-furnished property as well as complimenting any collection of antiquities.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOTING OUR STOCK NUMBER (see above) - WE SHALL THEN EMAIL YOU BACK WITH POSTAGE COSTS AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS ***