Miniature Jug with Incised Geometric Decoration

The body, neck, and spout of this small black vessel are covered with irregular geometric decoration forming crudely rendered circles, concentric bands, and vertical registers of hatchmarks. The cut-away spout is almost vertical and, in contrast to many other Cypriot vessels, the bottom is flat. A small pierced lug projecting from the neck would have allowed it to be suspended by a string. Such a small container may have been used for perfumed oil or as a “feeder vessel,” that is, to dispense medicine or feed infants.

The potters of Cyprus in the Bronze Age were quite creative, which resulted in a wide variety of shapes and designs in their hand-formed and individually decorated products. A slip applied prior to firing, burnished surface, and grooved geometric designs are the primary characteristics of Black Polished Ware. The slip, which was an earthy red when applied, turned black when fired in a reducing 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.

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