An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c16.s3.4

v1.c16.s3.4

The Harappa pottery is characterized by its typical painted designs. Paintings in black pigment are invariably arranged in horizontal registers on a carefully prepared red ground. Pots painted all over are rare, more often only the upper part being painted and lower one decorated with black bands only. The designs are horizontal bands, dots or linear and geometrical patterns, but sometimes realistic figures—human as well as animal—also occur. Realistic motifs consist of curvilinear bracket patterns within the bands of a deeply undulating band, diamond or chess-board checks into a number of compartments in which are depicted human figures, birds, fish, animal and trees. Fish-scales, loops, chain patterns, intersecting circles and predilection for acacia and pīpal leaf are other motifs. Incised decorations are uncommon. Cord impressions are met with on storage jars and basins.