Holy Land Terracotta Juglet

Late Bronze Age, c. 1500–1000 BC, Levant (Holy Land)

A fascinating ancient terracotta juglet from the Holy Land, beautifully hand-shaped with a globular body resting on a flat base. The short, wide cylindrical neck rises to a slightly inverted rim, complemented by a single applied handle that arches gracefully from rim to shoulder. Formed from coarse reddish clay and thick-walled for durability, this type of vessel was typically used to store and pour precious oils or perfumes.

Pottery finishing techniques during this period show remarkable refinement—potters often applied a rich red slip by hand, then smoothed it with an uneven burnish, giving each vessel a unique, tactile surface.

The Holy Land was among the earliest regions to enter the Bronze Age, a period that witnessed profound cultural and technological development. Archaeological evidence reveals strong links between Canaan and Early Dynastic Egypt—Canaanite vessels such as this one have been found among royal tomb offerings, establishing a cornerstone for Bronze Age chronology in the Near East.

This evocative example embodies both the practicality and artistry of everyday life in one of the world’s earliest and most interconnected civilizations.

Good condition. Intact. Hairline cracks, surface wear, and minor abrasions consistent with age, with areas of encrusted patina and rich earthen deposits across the surface. Size approx. 10,5cm x 10,4cm x 9,2cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection