The simple forms of Egyptian Predynastic vessels are wonderfully satisfying and belie the laborious process of their making. Imagine carving hard stone using soft copper tools with just sand and water as an abrasive.
Their influence on modern ceramicists is profound.
The creamy-pink veining that runs through this example is delicious!
Egyptian lug handled jar, Naqada II-1st Dynasty, c.3500-2900 BC
Height 9.1cm
Carved in a hard black stone with pale veins. The ovoid body has small lug handles, a flat rim with sharp edge, and a small kick to the flat base. A chip to the body, one handle and part of the lip reattached, the latter with some small areas of restoration.
Provenance:
Maurice Nahman, Cairo, Egypt
Private collection France; acquired from the above, 1st April 1926, thence by descent
