Lot 69
Central Asia, Indus Valley, Harappan/Mohenjo-Daro civilization, ca. 2700 to 2000 BCE. A pale red, slip-painted earthenware sculpture of a humped Zebu bull with a pot on his hump. There is a round hole in the middle of the pot, exposing the hollow interior. The bull's face has carefully carved, clear features, with wide eyes and a slightly open mouth. Towering horns frame the pot. Unusually for this sculptural form, he is depicted seated - most are standing. His legs are tucked under his body aside from one that is out to the side. A curved tail lies against the lower back. The body is painted dramatically, with black-outlined stripes of orange and ocher against a buff background. Size: 8.5" W x 5.75" H (21.6 cm x 14.6 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand.
The Zebu is the domesticated form of the Asian auroch, who was replaced by the Zebu through selective breeding during the time of the Indus Valley civilization. Artistic representations of humped bulls occur throughout the area and it has been theorized by the excavators of Harappa that they symbolize the "leader of the herd", powerful, strong, and virile. It seems likely that this fine ceramic was made in Baluchistan, the region of modern-day Pakistan that borders Iran and Afghanistan. Harappan artistic representations of both animals and humans are renowned for their realism at an early date.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private S.H. collection, Santa Clara, California, USA; purchased from Artemission Gallery, Kensington, London, UK
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#129191
- Condition: Repaired from multiple pieces, with restoration, including overpainting in some areas, especially on the underside/lower back. One horn is also reattached with overpainting along the repair line. Small drill hole for TL test on the underside.
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