800 BC Ceramic Pot from Indus Valley
I purchased this from a dealer, as it was described as "Indus Valley Pottery, c.800 BC". I do not know who made it, but I presume it is from the Indus Valley culture, circa 800 BC. It is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks, but has some mineral residue in various spots, as shown in the photos.
5" in diameter. 3" tall, including the rim of the opening.
Dealer or Gallery
Yes
Hello, this item is a ceramic vessel attributed to the Indus Valley cultural horizon, stylistically dating between 1000 and 800 BCE. The pot displays geometric linear motifs executed in black slip over a buff-colored body, characteristic of post-Harappan pottery from the late Bronze to early Iron Age transition in the northwestern Indian subcontinent. The cylindrical body, flat base, and narrow neck form are consistent with utilitarian or ritual containers excavated from late Harappan or early Painted Grey Ware contexts in regions such as Haryana, Gujarat, and Baluchistan.
The mineral accretions and surface encrustations suggest burial and subsequent excavation. The hand-burnished surface and consistent decorative banding reinforce its authenticity as a period piece rather than a modern reproduction. However, laboratory thermoluminescence testing would be required for definitive dating.
Given the form, decoration, and condition, the fair market value for this Indus-related vessel is 600 to 1,000 USD. If verified through scientific analysis and accompanied by excavation provenance, its insurance value could rise to 1,500 USD due to the rarity of intact examples from this period in private hands.
