Ca. 1st millennium BC. An exquisite terracotta vessel boasting a bulbous body that gracefully flares outwards, resting atop a splayed foot. The body of the vessel widens into a broad and tubular neck that culminates in a perfectly circular opening. Two opposing ram-shaped handles, firmly affixed to the shoulder and neck, lend a sense of refined symmetry to the piece. The vessel's decoration consists of a brown painted wide band encircling the lower portion of the body, while the foot displays a stylised cross decoration. The shoulder features a register of sharp and dynamic zig-zag pattern, adding a sense of energy and motion to the piece. Above this, a band of horned animals, boasting impressive antlers, further enhances the vessel's noble appearance. The uppermost section of the vessel is adorned with a thick band, and another register with intricate spiral patterns, leading up to a grooved rim that further accentuates the beauty of the piece. This piece has been precisely dated by means of a Thermo Luminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. The TL certificate with its full report will accompany this lot.Size: L: 350mm / W: 345mm ; 3.87kgProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s in Japan; previously in 1970s Japanese collection.