Long-Beaked Jug with Incised Geometric Decoration

The spherical body of this vessel is topped by a delicately curved neck, which joins with a two-part handle to create an arched silhouette on the shoulder; cord-like impressed decoration covers the exterior of the handle. The cut-away beak spout at the top is almost completely vertical, counteracting the weight of the globular lower body and introducing a curvature reminiscent of a gourd. Linear grooves form a continuous zigzag pattern around the body, topped with a grouping of three dots similarly impressed into the body, which is additionally ornamented with diagonal dash marks that extend vertically up the walls of the vessel. A simple auxiliary spout stemming from the rounded side of the jug separated the pouring (from the auxiliary spout) and filling (via the cut-away spout) functions of this vessel.

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 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. Evidence of burnishing, a technique that would have given a lustrous shine and smooth texture to the surface of such ceramics, can be seen in some extraneous marks on the neck. This unusual vessel form was produced throughout the Early and into the Middle Cypriot periods, and synthesized Anatolian influences, including the cut away neck seen here, with local traditions, such as the rounded bottom.

Provenance

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

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