Large Ancient Cypriot Geometric Period Cypro-Archaic Amphora - 950 BC

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Large Ancient Cypriot Geometric Period Cypro-Archaic Amphora - 950 BC:
$12000.00

A very large and attractive ancient Cypriot Iron Age Geometric Period amphora, dating to around950 - 800BC.

The huge vessel is of typical Cypro-Archaic form; with ring base, piriform body,wideneck,everted lip and bilateral u-shaped handles. Covered with a cream slip, over which is painted the classic Cypriot geometric decoration in dark umber pigment. The patterns comprise of wide and narrow bands wrapping around the vessel circumferentially, the body and shoulders with bands of lozenges filled with crosshatch designs. It is interestingto note the two black lugs protruding from the shoulders, Cypriot vessels are known for their anthropomorphisation, though now extremely reduced, these lugs may be a nod to that far older tradition.

This magnificent vessel forms part of one of the most recognisable and decorative art styles from the entire ancient world. Unique to the island of Cyprus, the Cypro-Geometric (also called Cypro-Archaic) painted wares were produced during the early stages of the first millennium BC. This example is a particularly large and well preserved example of its type, an object truly emblematic of ancient Cyprus itself.

Cyprus is often referred to as a crossroads of civilization, located at the Eastern end of the Mediterranean, it acted as a cultural melting pot for the major civilisations of the ancient world; Mesopotamia, Persia and Assyria to the east, Anatolia to the north, Egypt to the south and Greece and Rome to the west. Vessels such as this would have been stuffed full of the abundant agricultural produce of the island; figs, olives, wines and oils and exported to their wealthy neighbours.

Please note; this piece has been thermoluminescence tested by Oxford Authentication and is scientifically confirmed to be ancient, the new buyer will receive all relevant paperwork.

Height: 24 ½ inches.

Condition: Excellent, with small area of restoration to rim and section of base. Overall very good for a piece of this size, with the pigment all original.

Provenance:

Ex. US private collection, acquired 1980’s.

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