The Private Collection of the Baidun Family Mahmoud Baidun (1920-1980) founded what would become Khader M Badiun and Sons Galleries in Jerusalem, Isreal. As a young boy, Mahmoud would accompany archeologists, biblical scholars, and visiting delegations on excavation sites all over Jerusalem and other sites within the country. Earning the trust of scholars and archeologists alike, Mahmoud became an indispensable presence and guide to other visiting scholars. When Mr. Baidun entered the antiquities trade, he would be granted trade license under the British Mandate and from the Hashemite Kingdom. When Israel authorized the trade of antiquities, Mahmoud was issued one of the first antiquities licenses issued in the country. He would later forge close relationships with other merchants; slowly building a massive private collection that would go on to sell to political leaders, international museums, and private collectors globally.
This exquisite jug is a relic of the ancient Israeli region
of Samaria in the Judea Mountains, dating from the Roman occupation during
100 C.E. – 200 C.E.. The aged glass gives the jug a remarkable texture
that is as smooth as it is gorgeous, while the careful work given to this piece
is revealed in the mouth’s clean grooves and the soft ridges of the handle.
Remarkable as it is, this piece would have been quite
utilitarian, carried home by sure hands from the local well or winery,
depending on the occasion.