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Bowl with Incised Geometric Decoration
(Ancient Greece )
Fired a uniform black, the exterior of this hemispherical bowl bears incised geometric decorations that were filled with a white material, possibly lime, to highlight the decoration and heighten the contrast with the body. Irregularly drawn incised lines encircle the top and bottom of the bowl. Vertical registers with diagonal and straight hatch marks appear on the vessel body, separated by undecorated space. A single pierced lug handle projects from one side of the bowl and may have been used to store it by suspension when not in use.
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.
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.
Geographies
Cyprus (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 2 9/16 × Diam: 4 9/16 in. (6.5 × 11.6 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, 1973
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
48.2352