Vessel in the Form of a Bird, 200 CE - 500 CE
Terracotta
7.5 x 5.625 x 9
PF.2819
Further images
This vessel, resembling a bird of prey like a falcon, sharply pointed beak and large appliquéd eyes. Striated horizontal extensions on the sides serve both as wings and handles, as...
This vessel, resembling a bird of prey like a falcon, sharply pointed beak and large appliquéd eyes. Striated horizontal extensions on the sides serve both as wings and handles, as does the short tail, all decorated with incised geometric patterns. The wide rimmed bowl rests on three conical shaped legs that feature thin vertical slits. Presumably, these hollow legs once contained rattles on the inside. The phase of ceramics known as Guinea Incised utilized the technique of incising and appliqués, often producing vessels in the form of animals and birds excelling in a delightful combination of realism and abstraction.