Djenne Terra Cotta Vessel

Three and a half inches of ordinary life, 15th to 17th century. Nothing grand. That is the charm.

This small footed vessel is Djenne, from Mali. Everyday wares like it belonged to the thriving towns of the Inland Niger Delta, used for food, liquids and other daily needs. The rounded body swells from a flared pedestal foot to a thick, rolled rim, and a finely stippled, roulette-like texture covers the lower half. The clay is warm apricot orange, darkened here and there by smoky mottling, with small chips along the foot.

Meant to be held in the hand and studied up close. A shelf will do. So will a desk.