2nd-1st century BC. A squat ceramic vessel with flared rim with birds and rosettes; to the body an elaborate frieze of sitting gods in various poses on a field of mythical stars and rosettes, each god depicted naked, dressed in rich jewellery; a circumferential band of stars above and below; the shoulder densely covered in an elaborate frieze of flowers, with a frieze of stars above; spout to one side; supplied with a custom-made display stand. See The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 2002.266, for similar, and accession number 2004.553.2, for ivory plaque with similar iconography.792 grams total, 21.5cm including stand (8 1/2"). Property of a West London gentleman; from a private collection since 1989. Fine condition, hole to base, small holes to body and rim worn.