Ca. 2500 BC. A large vessel formed from terracotta, exhibits a distinctive form characterised by a flat base, a bulbous main body that gracefully tapers towards its neck, culminating in a pronounced rim. Its structural elegance is a testament to the craftsmanship of its creators, who displayed a keen sense of proportion and form. The vessel's exterior is adorned with multiple horizontally oriented registers of black-painted, stylized motifs. These motifs, though not explicitly detailed, reflect the artistic inclinations of the Indus Valley culture, which often drew inspiration from the natural world and abstract representations. The careful arrangement of these motifs demonstrates a level of precision and aesthetic sensibility, inviting contemplation of their possible cultural significance. Notably, the lower part of the vessel remains undecorated, hinting at a deliberate artistic choice to emphasize the intricate patterns adorning the upper sections. The utilization of terracotta, a material that was widely available in the region, underscores the practicality and adaptability of Indus Valley ceramics. These vessels, with their varied shapes and sizes, played a multifaceted role in the daily life and rituals of this ancient civilization, making them invaluable artifacts for understanding the cultural and artistic heritage of the Indus Valley. Size: L:280mm / W:220mm ; 2.28kg Provenance: Private UK collection; from an old London collection formed in the 1990s. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.