ITEM: Bottle MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Iron Age, Phoenicia PERIOD: 1st millenium B.C DIMENSIONS: 155 mm x 132 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1990 - 2000 Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks. Phoenician pottery provides valuable insights into the material culture and artistic traditions of the ancient Phoenician civilization, which flourished in the eastern Mediterranean region from around 1500 to 300 BCE. Phoenician pottery was known for its distinctive styles, innovative techniques, and extensive trade networks, which allowed Phoenician ceramics to influence and be influenced by other cultures in the region. One characteristic feature of Phoenician pottery is its use of distinct shapes, forms, and decorative motifs. Phoenician potters produced a wide range of vessel types, including storage jars (amphorae), cooking pots, drinking vessels (kylixes), and ritual objects. These vessels were often decorated with intricate designs, including geometric patterns, stylized animals, and mythological scenes, which were typically painted in black or red on a light-colored background. Moreover, Phoenician pottery was renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and durability, which made it highly desirable for trade and commerce. Phoenician ceramics were exported throughout the Mediterranean world, where they were prized for their aesthetic appeal and practical utility. Phoenician pottery played a crucial role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the Phoenician cities and their neighbors, contributing to the spread of Phoenician influence and the dissemination of artistic styles and techniques across the ancient Mediterranean. Additionally, Phoenician pottery reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Phoenician society, which was characterized by its maritime prowess, commercial acumen, and cultural diversity. Phoenician pottery exhibits influences from various cultures, including Egypt, Greece, and the Near East, demonstrating the Phoenicians' ability to adapt and incorporate foreign artistic traditions into their own pottery production.