These ancient Israeli red slip ceramic vessels were found together in the mountains west of the Jordan River, an area known both then and now as Samaria. The smaller vessel with the large mouth is a wine decanter while the larger jug was made to hold large amount of cooking oil for generous use in old Israeli cuisine.
There is something homey, even quirky, about the thick handles that loop at the top of each vessel. The warm red colors of their grooved exterior transports us to a dimly lit kitchen filled with the smells of traditional meals still savored today across the Levant.