A fine Western Asiatic domed jar featuring a biconvex profile and a short spout with an everted rim. The vessel is decorated on the top with a series of incised concentric circles. The flat reverse is unadorned and unworked. Earthly encrustations to the surface. There are some chips to the base of the vessel. Ancient Western Asiatic artistic production dating to the 3rd millennium BC is characterised by finely potted, high fired terracotta vessels, usually enriched by dark pigmented geometric or zoomorphic decorations. Such vessels would have been produced to store food, but also as burial goods to be placed with the deceased in the tomb. Flaring cups and globular jars, such as this fine example, are among the most popular artefacts excavated. Although the first examples of such pottery production display simple shapes and stylised decorative motives, terracotta wares evolved embracing aesthetics from a multitude of cultures. Measurements: W 12.5cm x H 6.5cm Provenance: London, UK, collection, 1990s.