ANTHROPOMORPHIC VASE Stoneware terracotta H. 25 cm North Africa, c. 300-350 A.D. Provenance Former French private collection, built up between 1990 and 2000 The ingenious shape of an idealised female head surmounted by a flared cylindrical neck. A ribbon handle at the back is attached to the neck and the back of the head, giving the vase its full functionality. The neck features a decorative register incised with stylised geometric and plant motifs, framed by horizontal mouldings. The most remarkable feature of this creation is the sophisticated treatment of the hairstyle. The top of the skull is adorned with a crown of curls or pearls applied in relief, creating a three-dimensional tiara that evokes imperial hairstyles or divine attributes. At the top of the neck, in relief, is a Greek inscription in two lines, probably indicating the production workshop. Very well preserved. A Roman North African Sigillae Terracotta Anthropomorphic Vase. c. 300-350 A.D. Of ingenious form of an idealized female head surmounted by a flared cylindrical neck. A ribbon handle at the back attaches to the neck and the rear of the head, conferring full functionality to the vessel. The neck displays a decorative register incised with stylized geometric and vegetal motifs, framed by horizontal moldings. The most remarkable element of this creation resides in the sophisticated treatment of the hairstyle. The crown of the head is adorned with a wreath of applied relief curls or beads, creating a three-dimensional diadem that evokes imperial coiffures or divine attributes. At the top of the neck, in relief, Greek inscription on two lines, probably indicating the production workshop. Very fine condition.