This round Canaanite jug is covered in a series of frenzied red lines that seem to buzz through time, the intersecting spaces broken up by a clearing of just three vertical marks at four spots along the jug’s body. The jug’s basket handle arches above the mouth’s large opening, while a short spout arises from the front, flaring slightly for an easy pour.
The little we know of ancient Canaan comes from the rich archeological record they left behind. This piece is an excellent example of the simple rites of ancient history, when the storage and transportation of water meant the difference between life and death in the arid realm of Canaan.
REFERENCE #
KB_PT_9993
CIVILIZATION
Early Bronze Age I, 3500 B.C.E. – 3000 B.C.E.
SIZE
H. 21.5 cm
CONDITION
Fine condition
PRICE
Price available upon request[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
This large glass bowl comes from Samaria, the capital of ancient Israel in the 9th century B.C.E. and 8th century B.C.E.. Located just west of the Jordan River, Samaria was a vibrant city for many centuries; its history is recounted in the Old Testament book of Kings. It experienced many invasions over the intervening centuries located as it was in the strategic mountains of Judea.
By the time this beautiful aquamarine bowl was blown, Samaria had come under Roman rule, a period of great innovation as new Roman technology filtered throughout the region.
The craftsmen of Ancient Rome were constantly innovating to perfect their methods, while reaching new heights of early artistry. The swooping ribbons on the body of the amber glass jar may seem like a simple stylized effect, yet it represent the fine work of a dedicated glassblower using the most rudimentary of tools to create a truly unique piece of filled with ancient beauty.
Only 7 cm in height, this squat jar would have held the perfumes or ointments used daily to embellish the scent or cheeks of an ancient Roman citizen.
These ancient Israeli red slip ceramic vessels were found together in the mountains west of the Jordan River, an area known both then and now as Samaria. The smaller vessel with the large mouth is a wine decanter while the larger jug was made to hold large amount of cooking oil for generous use in old Israeli cuisine.
There is something homey, even quirky, about the thick handles that loop at the top of each vessel. The warm red colors of their grooved exterior transports us to a dimly lit kitchen filled with the smells of traditional meals still savored today across the Levant.
This elegant translucent alabaster perfume flask exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of Israelite artisans of the Iron Age, First Temple Period. Crafted from fine, translucent alabaster, the flask presents an ovoid body with a narrow, well‑formed neck and a gently everted mouth, its surface smoothly polished to reveal the subtle veining and soft luminosity of the stone.
The most striking feature of the flask is its delicate, refined profile and the way the translucent material captures and diffuses light, lending a quiet, luminous quality to the form. The workmanship demonstrates mastery of stone‑carving techniques, with a precise, symmetrical shape and a satin finish that highlights the inherent beauty of the alabaster. Any surviving tool marks are minimal and secondary to the overall polished presentation.
This object likely served both personal and ritual functions, used to contain precious oils or perfumes for daily grooming, anointing, or sacred ceremonies. Its refined material and careful execution reflect the value placed on aromatic substances in Israelite society and suggest ownership by an individual of some standing. Found in Jerusalem. Iron Age, First Temple Period (circa 10th–6th centuries BCE).
This elegant ribbed glass bowl exemplifies the artistry and technical skill of early Roman glassmakers. Crafted from a rare aubergine-hued soda‑lime glass, the bowl presents a gently flared rim and a rounded, harmonious profile with a lustrous, weathered surface that reveals a rich, multicolored iridescence developed through centuries of natural burial conditions. Measuring approximately [dimensions available on request], it is a compact yet striking domestic vessel.
The most striking feature of the bowl is its pronounced vertical ribbing, which encircles the body and lends a rhythmic, tactile quality to the form. Two finely incised concentric lines around the midsection provide an elegant counterpoint to the ribs, demonstrating careful finishing by hand. The surface iridescence, a product of long-term chemical interaction rather than modern treatment, enhances the deep aubergine tone and accentuates the delicate interplay of light across the exterior.
The workmanship shows mastery of early glass techniques—likely mold‑forming for the ribbed body with subsequent hand incision—resulting in crisp, well-executed details and a smoothly rendered rim. The uncommon deep purple color and strong iridescent sheen mark this piece as a particularly refined example of provincial Roman glass production.
Likely used for both every day and display purposes, this bowl would have served as a functional domestic vessel and possibly as a valued item within a household’s tableware. Its durable glass, sophisticated surface effects, and rare coloration reflect both the aesthetic sensibilities and material culture of the early Imperial period. Found in Sabaste; early Roman, ca. 1st century AD.REFERENCE #
A Tazza refers to a little cup, consisting of a short stem topped by a wide receptacle. This piece comes from the Samarian region, created in the style of either Egyptian or Canaanite craftsmen. The small cup is only 6 cm in size, lending an intimacy to the object during religious ceremonies.
The cup’s body is pinched at its mouth as well as its base, which arcs downward and connects to the wide hourglass shaped stem.
This elegant alabaster bowl exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Mesopotamian artisans. Crafted from fine, translucent alabaster, the bowl features a rounded, symmetrical form with a smooth, polished surface that showcases the natural beauty of the stone. Measuring approximately 12 cm in diameter and 7 cm in height, it is a compact yet finely detailed vessel.
The most striking feature of the bowl is its decorative banding, which encircles its exterior. These bands are composed of carved lines and geometric motifs, adding a sense of rhythm and harmony to the piece. The craftsmanship demonstrates a mastery of stone carving techniques, with precise incisions and smooth finishes that highlight the skilled artisanship of the period.
This vessel likely served both functional and ceremonial purposes, possibly used in ritual offerings or as a display piece in a noble or religious setting. Its durable alabaster material and sophisticated decoration reflect the high status of its owner and the cultural importance of craftsmanship in ancient Mesopotamian society.
Canaanite artisans were prolific, and their pottery came in an array of fantastic shapes, colors and sizes. This white ware jug is no exception, its ghostly exterior marked with dark brown lines that zigzag across the top half of its bulbous body. A wide base supports the body itself, while the short neck above ends at a large flat mouth.
A handle rises abruptly from the body and connects at the neck’s base, making a sturdy loop for the well-worn hands of an ancient Canaanite
The distinctive base of this Canaanite jar is made of three looped legs that prop the body up in tripod-like fashion. The design is more aesthetically pleasing than innovative, yet the rest of the jug was carefully made to exacting standards that allowed for the flawless curves of its white ceramic exterior.
The upper half of the jug is decorated with chocolate brown bands that alternate between straight lines and tightly wound zigzags. The overall effect is an ancient artifact imbued with a timeless sense of artistry and originality.REFERENCE #
The natural polish of this red slip spouted jar shines brightly even under the softest of lights. The large ovoid body of this piece has no neck, but instead a flattened ring atop its mouth and a bent spout with a small hole for measured pouring. This suggests an efficiency commonly found throughout the arid regions of ancient Canaan, when water and wine were too important for the casual spill.