Cypro-Geometric Terracotta Jug, Concentric Circles

Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus, Cypro-Geometric period, ca. 1050–700 BCE. A generous globular jug thrown in buff terracotta, rising on a low ring base to a short cylindrical neck and pinched pouring lip, with a bifurcated strap handle arching from shoulder to rim. Dark brown and red-brown paint bands the neck in close-set rings, while each side of the belly carries a bold concentric circle target framed by sweeping arcs; a rayed motif crowns the front roundel and two small circle clusters sit beneath the handle. The compass-drawn ornament is the signature of Cypriot potters of the early Iron Age, applied freehand over a pale slip. A vessel of this capacity would have served wine, oil, or water, likely in domestic use before deposition in a tomb. Size: 7.5" Diam x 11.25" H (19.1 cm Diam x 28.6 cm H).

Cypriot potters of the Cypro-Geometric horizon developed a decorative vocabulary that owes almost nothing to the figural traditions of the Aegean mainland. Working with a multiple brush fixed to a pivot, they laid down sets of perfectly regular concentric circles, a technique inherited from Late Bronze Age Mycenaean practice on the island but pushed to a scale and boldness entirely their own. Where the potter used two pigments, black-brown and iron red, over a light ground, the resulting fabric is classified as Bichrome ware; a single dark pigment yields White Painted ware. The two run in parallel through the Cypro-Geometric I to III sequence.

The trefoil-mouthed jug with strap handle is among the most enduring Cypriot shapes, produced continuously from the eleventh into the seventh century BCE and exported widely across the Levant and to Phoenician settlements in the west. Large examples such as this were serving vessels, and the bulk of surviving intact pieces come from chamber tombs, where liquid offerings accompanied the dead.

Provenance: Collection of Tom Carson, NYS., active 1970’s - early 2000’s, then by descent to family.

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item #

73329

Condition
Overall scattered mineral and surface deposits. Handle repaired from four original pieces and reattached, a small area of surface pocking on the lower body below the handle, otherwise intact, Excellent condition.

Buyer's Premium
30%