Composite Vessel with Incised Geometric Decoration

Formed of three small juglets with one large, flat handle, this composite vessel has a tripod base created by a pointed, tapering foot extends from the rounded bottom of each of the vessels. The three bodies are joined in the center by clay, with a deeply impressed cavity on the underside, presumably to assist in firing the object evenly. The juglets are decorated by vertical bands, alternating diagonal hatch marks framed in lines with cord-like lines lacking relief decoration. However, the alternating bands do not continue onto the necks of the vessels, which bear incised V-shapes and the cord-like flat decoration. The large, looping handle has bands of diagonal hatch marks on both sides, which also appear on the exteriors of most of the smaller, possibly non-functional, handles attached directly to the vessels. One vessel has a more complex small handle, formed by two rods of clay crossing over each other to form an X.

The potters of Bronze Age Cyprus exhibited great creativity by producing a wide variety of shapes and designs in their hand-formed and individually decorated vessels. The function of multibody vessels like this one is unclear, as it may have been difficult to use all three vessel bodies at one time. The earthy red slip applied prior to firing, burnished surface, and grooved geometric designs are the primary characteristics of Red Polished Ware. The slip remained red when fired in an oxidizing kiln environment, and the incised decoration was filled with a white material, possibly lime, to heighten the contrast with the body.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

William H. Smith, Alexandria, VA, 1959-1961 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1973, by purchase.