Qurayyah Painted Ware may be the world's first ancient brand

Archaeological research published in PLOS One suggests that Qurayyah Painted Ware (QPW), a type of distinctive pottery produced approximately 3,200 years ago, may represent one of the earliest known examples of a commercial brand.

Produced at the oasis of Qurayyah in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the ceramics are characterized by striking black-and-red painted designs featuring geometric patterns, stylized animals, and human figures. An international research team, led by archaeologist Marta Luciani of the University of Vienna, utilized technological, petrographic, and geochemical analyses to study pottery fragments from a kiln at the site.

The study found that the pottery maintained a consistent technological identity and recognizable visual style across generations. This standardization, combined with centralized manufacturing and a reputation that allowed the vessels to spread to distant regions—including modern-day Jordan and Israel—led researchers to conclude that the pottery functioned much like a modern brand through recognition and desirability.