For your consideration is a Ban Chiang Pedestal Vessel, circa 300BC - 300AD, Thailand. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and the Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, including African, Afghan and Asian artifacts. Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in South-East Asia. It marks an important stage in human cultural, social and technological evolution. The site presents the earliest evidence of farming in the region and of the manufacture and use of metals. This prehistoric human habitation and burial site marks the beginning of wet rice agriculture, domesticated farm animals, ceramic manufacture, and bronze tool-making technology. For Thais and ceramic enthusiasts everywhere, the name Ban Chiang conjures up an image of uniquely painted pottery. The red pattern, which later became known as the “Ban Chiang Rope” characterizes the clay jars some of which are around 5,000-7,000 years old, and, perhaps, some of the oldest in the world. The patterns on these jars are amazing. The red paint pattern on Ban Chiang ceramics looks like someone dipped a rope in red coloring then used it on the pottery to create an attractive design. The red pigment with white geometric and curved designs, flowing lines, spiral patterns, wavy lines, and the S-shape in oval or circle patterns are unique. Various techniques were used to make these patterns, such as scratching, carving, tattooing, plastering, and painting. This Ban Chiang Pedestal Vessel is in amazingly good condition, slight chipping observed, no cracks or evidence of previous repairs noted. Measures 9"H, mouth is 4.25" diameter, base is 6" diameter, weight 2lb 6oz approximately.*