Ca. 1550-1200 BC A beautifully formed terracotta vessel in the form of an upturned poppy; with white painted cuts to the poppy mimicking where the juices would seep out. Vessel sits on a flared base, has a bulbous body, cylindrical neck, large incised handle, and flared rim. Judging from analysis of substances found in similar vessels, these vessels likely held a primitive form of opium. Size: L:280mm / W:150mm ; 485g Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; acquired from UK private estate collection.; Ex-private collection of W. Dale, a career diplomat stationed in Turkey in the early 1960's, who acquired a vast collection of Greek, Roman and Near-Eastern treasures during his tenure.