FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Antiquities Discussion Forums => Ancient Pottery Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Kamnaskires on May 11, 2023, 11:16:24 am

Title: Seeking Attribution Help: Ancient or Medieval Clay Bowl
Post by: Kamnaskires on May 11, 2023, 11:16:24 am
I realize this is a long shot, but I am seeking attribution assistance with this footed, tripod bowl. It measures 3.75” across. It was part of a large lot of ancient pottery that I recently purchased. I knew – and have since confirmed – the ID’s of the “main” items in the lot that prompted the purchase. Still, although this bowl was not one of the important pieces for me, it would be nice to get it properly attributed, if possible.

Interestingly, as stated, it has both a base/foot and legs. Only one of its three legs is fully intact. One is chipped and the last is missing in action. The body was wheel produced and has a prominent indented horizontal band below the rim. It is very well made, perfectly symmetrical.

My knowledge regarding ancient and medieval pottery is limited. I did recently peruse several books on ancient Holy Land pottery, including the corpus by Ruth Amiran, but saw nothing similar. I know that many tripod bowls were produced in ancient Iran, and in fact I own one. However, I’ve not seen one from that region that has both legs and base in conjunction.

Any thoughts regarding the ID of this bowl would be greatly appreciated. (FYI, there is another, though smaller, bowl from the lot that also remains unattributed…but I’m inclined to deal with that one later.)

Title: Re: Seeking Attribution Help: Ancient or Medieval Clay Bowl
Post by: gallienus1 on June 05, 2023, 05:14:49 am
 Alamy images shows something very similar, stating that it is Iron Age in date and from Iran.

See-

earthenware, H 12.4-13.3 cm, D 26-27 cm, Iron Age, Iran

Hope this can point you in the right direction.

Steve

Title: Re: Seeking Attribution Help: Ancient or Medieval Clay Bowl
Post by: Kamnaskires on June 05, 2023, 09:03:07 am
Thanks, Steve – I really appreciate your taking the time to comment.

I had seen that bowl on Alamy while researching my bowl earlier, and had noted the similarities. Perhaps the attribution applies to my bowl as well. However, my bowl is less than half the size, and features a prominent base that extends downward nearly to the depth of the legs. I.N. Medvedskaya’s Iran: Iran Age I contains an illustration of a bowl excavated at Tepe Sialk, Iran that is a near match for the Alamy bowl, if not mine.

But, given the similarities, perhaps mine can be tentatively attributed to Iran Age Iran as well. I would do so (make that attribution in my inventory) with a question mark.

Perhaps I'll get it uploaded to my gallery later this month, when I have more free time.

Thanks again!

Bob