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C. 3rd millennium BC. Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley. A fine example of an Indus Valley civilisation bowl, comprising a lentoid body and a ring foot. The upper portion of the buff coloured vessel is decorated with polychrome motifs featuring a pair of two fish with geometrically decorated bodies in waves which flanked by geometric designs on either side. Opposite the fish is a beautifully striped humped bull, with long, curving horns, shown in profile. The lower section is undecorated. The Indus Valley Civilisation was an important Bronze Age culture which arose in c. 3300 BC and lasted until c. 1300, though its heyday, to which this ceramic vessel belongs, was in the 3rd Millennium BC. The bull, with its hump and powerful horns, is a recurring motif in the Indus Valley, appearing on painted pottery like this example but also on figurines and stamps. The animal may represent the leader of a herd, who is able to protect his followers, or it could be a reflection of the bull’s importance in religious sacrifice. Cf. N. Satyawadi, 1994. Proto-Historic Pottery of the Indus Valley Civilisation: Study of Painted Motifs, New Delhi. Excellent condition.Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1970s; Size: H:120mm / W:190mm ; 580g