This fine, thin walled vessel, was probably used as a cup or bowl.  It has a relatively high, slightly flaring neck and everted lip above a round, bulbous body; a raised rounded rib decorates the shoulder.  Muscarella notes that based on excavated evidence, scarce as it is, it seems that examples of this type were used as models for later vessels.

For related example and further discussion see:  Muscarella, O. W., "Bronze & Iron, Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art" (1988) pg 260-262, #348-350.

For unexcavated vessels of the present type, see: Moortgat 1932, pl. x:32-34; Speleers 1933a, 91, fig.42; Ame 1962, fig. 15, top; Wijngaarden 1954, pl. xm:82,83; Potratz 1955a, 220, no. 1, fig. 29 (misprinted as 31); Potratz 1968, pl. XLv1:274-77; Basmachi 1963, pl. 19; Calmeyer 1969a, 135, nn. 438, 439, lists eleven more examples than Potratz, including the present Metropolitan Museum vessel (actually listed twice, inn. 439 as in the British Museum).

Condition:  Intact and in excellent condition overall with very fine green/brown patina.  

Dimensions:   Height: 8.89 cm (3.5 inches), Width: 10.16 cm (4 inches) 

Provenance:   Private Virginia collection.