Ancient CyprusAncient Cyprus
Terracotta jug, Archaic I Cypriot
Terracotta jug, Archaic I Cypriot, c. 750–600 BC. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 74.51.509.Open Access by the MET

Archaic I

Terracotta jug

Two figures and two birds flanking a lotus composition Closely related to 74.51.510, this vase depicts two human figures and two birds flanking a central lotus composition that is the equivalent of a sacred tree. The figures wear long garments, trousers, and shoes; their sex is not readily identifiable. Each looks toward the bird behind him, one bending forward, the other upright. The representation may pertain to an Oriental deity that has power over animals. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm) Other: 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm) Diam. of foot: 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm)

Classification

Object type
Pottery vessel
Shape
Jug
Decoration
Painted
Motifs
Human figure, Bird, Lotus
Material
Clay
Period
Iron AgeCypro-ArchaicCypro-Archaic I
Date
750 - 600 BC
Place of production
probablyCyprus
Findspot
Golgoi

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Provenance

  • “Found at Golgoi (?) or Citium” (Cesnola 1894, pl. CVI, 859, 860) Between 1870 and 1874, found on Cyprus; until 1874, collection of Luigi Palma di Cesnola; acquired in 1874, purchased from L.P. di Cesnola.

References

Identifiers

Accession no.
74.51.509, Metropolitan Museum of Art
In catalogues
  • Myres 1914, no. 751
  • Karageorghis 2000, no. 157

Photographs in the Archive

2 older photographs of this object, matched by its numbers or by comparing the photographs. Each links to its record in the Archive.

  • Photograph: Swedish Cyprus Expedition, 1927–31. Medelhavsmuseet, Stockholm, Csn3668a. Public domain (CC0).
  • Photograph: Swedish Cyprus Expedition, 1927–31. Medelhavsmuseet, Stockholm, Csn3669. Public domain (CC0).

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