Large Two-handled jug
Got this at a estate sale in California about 7 years ago for $50. Wanting to learn more about it. Approximate weight is 15 lbs. 20 inches tall and 12 inches in diameter. Two handles. Faded markings.
Unknown
Other
Maybe
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. So that I may best assist you, can you please upload a few images of the bottom of the vase. Are there any markings or a signature there?
Thanks,
Leah
Great, thanks
CONDITIONAL Fair Market Value: $50 to $100
This is an amphora possibly from the Middle East. There are faded black decorative bands forming crosses over the arms. The base of the amphora is rounded so that it cannot stand on its own. The mouth appears to have been broken. It is handmade and has a very rough texture and areas with possible glaze or marine deposits.
Because of the base of this piece, it could be a “marine amphora”/”pottery transport amphora” used for storing oil or other tradable goods. The shape is related to how they were stored on boats. I have attached a link below with a description of these kinds of amphoras. Note that these kinds of amphoras typically had company’s imprinted markings on one handle. I did not see this in your picture, but I think only one handle is closely shown. Check to see if you can locate anything.
The black decorations on the amphora appear quite old, from the way they are faded. The origin of the design motif is unknown, but possibly Mediterranean. The design may signify a brand related to trading or shipping.
There are reproductions of Roman amphoras on the market that sell for $50 to $100. It’s also possible that the piece could be a one-of a-kind modern handmade art project, but the black line design appears too finely done to match the shape of the piece. The irregularity of the base, the broken neck, and the misshapenness overall also lead me to think this is not a made-to-sell reproduction by a store like, say, Anthropology (the retail store).
I don’t feel that I can give you a definitive answer about the origin of this piece. If you are interested in finding out for sure, I would suggest that you contact a specialist in Mediterranean historical art or archaeology. I think it’s possible that this piece is at least several hundred years old. Again, I don’t want to speculate and lead you on a wild goose chase, but it could be interesting to look further.
As for an estimation of Fair Market Value, I am checking the “conditional” box and assuming you would be selling this “as is,” without knowing more about whether it is as old as it might be. In that case, my estimate based on similar items (of unverified age) is $50 to $100. It might be worth several hundred more with verification of age.
Museum page with more information about marine amphora:
https://www.bodrum-museum.com/amphora-exhibition/
Added pictures of the bottom. No signature or markings.