ITEM: Pot with painted decoration of hatched triangles
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Bronze Age, Cypriot, South Levant
PERIOD: 1550 - 1450 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 115 mm x 117 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired from A.B. in 1969

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Bronze Age Cypriot pottery offers a fascinating glimpse into the material culture and artistic traditions of ancient Cyprus. Characterized by its distinctive forms, decorative motifs, and regional variations, Cypriot pottery played a significant role in both domestic and ritual contexts. One of the most iconic types of Bronze Age Cypriot pottery is known as "White Slip Ware," which was prevalent during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1600-1050 BCE). This type of pottery is characterized by a smooth, white slip coating over a reddish clay body, often adorned with intricate designs painted in dark brown or black pigment. These designs typically feature geometric patterns, stylized animals, and sometimes human figures, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the time.

Another notable style of Bronze Age Cypriot pottery is the "Red Polished Ware," which emerged during the Early Bronze Age (circa 2500-1900 BCE). This type of pottery is distinguished by its polished red surface, achieved through careful burnishing before firing. Red Polished Ware vessels were often utilitarian in nature, serving purposes such as storage, cooking, and serving food and drink. Despite their practical function, many of these vessels were also adorned with incised or impressed decorations, showcasing the skill and creativity of ancient Cypriot potters.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Bronze Age Cypriot pottery provides valuable insights into the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of ancient Cypriot society. The presence of imported pottery styles from neighboring regions, such as Mycenaean Greece and the Levant, highlights Cyprus's role as a hub of trade and cultural exchange in the eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, variations in pottery styles and techniques across different regions of Cyprus suggest the existence of distinct local traditions and workshops.

Good condition

11.5 x 11.7 cm