Composite Vessel with Incised Geometric Decoration

This composite vessel is made up of three bowls that are joined at the center, a high looping handle, and a cylindrical stem base with ring foot. Complex registers of incised geometric decoration cover the bowls, foot, and all sides of the handle. The polished finish of this vessel has not survived well, and the whole object is extensively repaired from fragments.

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. 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. An 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.

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