ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Egyptian Black-Topped Jar with Incised Boat, Naqada I Period, 4000-3600 BC

Naqada vase of ovoid shape decorated with the early representation of a boat with a 'feathered' stern. The 'rubbing-sketch' gives a size of 9.3 cm (3.6 in) for the boat.

Black-topped vessels with incisions are rather rare and usually show animals or plants. The depicted boat reminds of the Eastern Desert rock art, where quite a few (more elaborate) ships are portrayed.

Boat depictions became widespread with the  later D-ware (decorated pottery ware).

Unbroken. The surface pitted and spalled by the effects of chlorides which have been carefully removed. Some fixed chips.

H. 26 cm (10.25 in), D. rim 17 cm (6.7 in)

Swiss private collection

4200 USD