Obj. ID: 22476
Ancient Jewish Art  Ossuary

The flat-bottomed ossuary has a vaulted lid with a protruding edge. The front side bears two rossettes encircled by composite wreaths flanking a central foliate motif carved in high relief.##The left motif is composed of a round-petalled rosette with a dot at the end of each petal. The rosette is surrounded by a wreath consisting of flower buds, pine cones, and acanthus leaves, quartered by a line pattern (pine needles ?).##The right motif is a flower whose petals consist of flowers, buds, pomegranate and an acorn. It is encircled by a rope and by an egg-and-dart wreath.## The central motif is a sheaf consisting of leaves, grapes, pomegranates, pine cones and two unidentified elements.##The three motifs are set upon a background of vine tendrils and leaves in low relief.##The side is framed by a recessed mould.## (continued)