An early Cypriot Iron Age terracotta jug, Geometric Period, circa 1050–900 B.C. Wheel-made in buff clay, of ovoid form with a slender neck and trefoil mouth, set with a single strap handle. The surface is covered with a matte black slip.
Provenance: From the collection of Madame Suzanne Gozlan, thence by descent. Later sold through Leonard Joel Auctions, Melbourne (Australia).
Measurements: 17cm high x 12.5cm diameter.
Condition: Superbly preserved, with no evidence of significant chips, cracks or restoration. Surface fading, wear to the black slip and small imperfections consistent with hand-made production, including visible thumb impressions and slight unevenness.
Reference: For a comparable example, albeit with a ring base, see An Overview of Ancient Cypriot Pottery Vessels: From the Early Bronze to the Late Archaic Periods by Alexis Drakopoulos; British Museum collection, under “Black Slip Ware,” accession no. 1982,0729.371.
