Ancient Cypriot Black-on-Red Ware Terracotta Pilgrim Flask | Cypro-Geometric–Cypro-Archaic Period | Circa 900 – 600 BCE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean
Material: Terracotta with orange-red slip and black painted decoration
Period: Cypro-Geometric III–Cypro-Archaic I, circa 900–600 BCE
Description
This charming miniature terracotta vessel is an excellent example of ancient Cypriot ceramic craftsmanship, executed in the distinctive Black-on-Red ware tradition that flourished on the island during the early first millennium BCE.
The vessel features a compact globular body surmounted by a short neck with a broad, everted rim. A pair of opposing loop handles extends from the shoulders to the neck, creating a balanced and practical form that could be carried or suspended.
The rounded body is decorated with multiple dark painted bands encircling the shoulder, while traces of additional painted ornament remain visible across the surface. The warm orange-red slip and black linear decoration are characteristic of Cypriot Black-on-Red ceramics, one of the island’s most recognizable ancient pottery traditions.
The flattened underside allows the vessel to rest securely on a level surface. Examples of this general form are often described as miniature flasks or handled containers and may have held oils, perfumes, medicinal preparations, or other valuable liquids intended for domestic, commercial, ritual, or funerary use.
The vessel displays an attractive archaeological surface with scattered mineral accretions and areas of weathering acquired during centuries of burial. Its hand-crafted construction, painted decoration, and balanced proportions reflect the technical skill of Cypriot potters working at a time when the island occupied an important crossroads between the cultures of the Aegean, Levant, and Egypt.
Features
- Black-on-Red ware ceramic tradition
- Cypro-Geometric III–Cypro-Archaic I period
- Compact globular body with flattened underside
- Broad everted rim and short neck
- Pair of opposing loop handles
- Decorated with black painted bands
- Warm orange-red slipped surface
- Hand-formed and kiln-fired construction
- Eastern Mediterranean origin
Cultural Significance
Cyprus occupied a strategic position within the eastern Mediterranean and developed a rich ceramic tradition influenced by neighbouring cultures while maintaining distinctive local styles. Black-on-Red ware emerged as one of the island’s most recognizable pottery types and circulated through regional trade networks.
Small handled vessels of this kind were valued for their practical function as containers while also playing roles in domestic life, commerce, ritual activity, and funerary practices. Their portability and restricted capacity made them particularly suitable for storing small quantities of valuable liquids.
Condition
The vessel remains intact and displays expected age-related wear throughout. The surface exhibits mineral accretions, encrustation, scattered abrasions, and losses to the original painted decoration consistent with prolonged burial and considerable age.
Minor surface irregularities, firing imperfections, scratches, and areas of discoloration are present, as expected of ancient hand-made pottery. The vessel retains an attractive archaeological patina and remains structurally stable.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.5 in
Diameter: 2.5 in
Age (Approximate)
2,400–2,900 years old
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Jack Guevrekian, Manhasset, New York, USA, a noted New York numismatist and collector associated particularly with Armenian coinage and ancient material. Guevrekian assembled an extensive collection over several decades, and a major portion of his holdings was publicly offered as The Jack Guevrekian Collection by the Numismatic & Antiquarian Service Corporation of America in New York in 1977. The piece was subsequently handled by Artemis Fine Arts. Private New York City collection.
Learn More
View a related ancient Cypriot Black-on-Red vessel in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Explore our curated Collection of Ceramics, Pottery & Ancient Heritage Art
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean
Material: Terracotta with orange-red slip and black painted decoration
Period: Cypro-Geometric III–Cypro-Archaic I, circa 900–600 BCE
Description
This charming miniature terracotta vessel is an excellent example of ancient Cypriot ceramic craftsmanship, executed in the distinctive Black-on-Red ware tradition that flourished on the island during the early first millennium BCE.
The vessel features a compact globular body surmounted by a short neck with a broad, everted rim. A pair of opposing loop handles extends from the shoulders to the neck, creating a balanced and practical form that could be carried or suspended.
The rounded body is decorated with multiple dark painted bands encircling the shoulder, while traces of additional painted ornament remain visible across the surface. The warm orange-red slip and black linear decoration are characteristic of Cypriot Black-on-Red ceramics, one of the island’s most recognizable ancient pottery traditions.
The flattened underside allows the vessel to rest securely on a level surface. Examples of this general form are often described as miniature flasks or handled containers and may have held oils, perfumes, medicinal preparations, or other valuable liquids intended for domestic, commercial, ritual, or funerary use.
The vessel displays an attractive archaeological surface with scattered mineral accretions and areas of weathering acquired during centuries of burial. Its hand-crafted construction, painted decoration, and balanced proportions reflect the technical skill of Cypriot potters working at a time when the island occupied an important crossroads between the cultures of the Aegean, Levant, and Egypt.
Features
- Black-on-Red ware ceramic tradition
- Cypro-Geometric III–Cypro-Archaic I period
- Compact globular body with flattened underside
- Broad everted rim and short neck
- Pair of opposing loop handles
- Decorated with black painted bands
- Warm orange-red slipped surface
- Hand-formed and kiln-fired construction
- Eastern Mediterranean origin
Cultural Significance
Cyprus occupied a strategic position within the eastern Mediterranean and developed a rich ceramic tradition influenced by neighbouring cultures while maintaining distinctive local styles. Black-on-Red ware emerged as one of the island’s most recognizable pottery types and circulated through regional trade networks.
Small handled vessels of this kind were valued for their practical function as containers while also playing roles in domestic life, commerce, ritual activity, and funerary practices. Their portability and restricted capacity made them particularly suitable for storing small quantities of valuable liquids.
Condition
The vessel remains intact and displays expected age-related wear throughout. The surface exhibits mineral accretions, encrustation, scattered abrasions, and losses to the original painted decoration consistent with prolonged burial and considerable age.
Minor surface irregularities, firing imperfections, scratches, and areas of discoloration are present, as expected of ancient hand-made pottery. The vessel retains an attractive archaeological patina and remains structurally stable.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.5 in
Diameter: 2.5 in
Age (Approximate)
2,400–2,900 years old
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Jack Guevrekian, Manhasset, New York, USA, a noted New York numismatist and collector associated particularly with Armenian coinage and ancient material. Guevrekian assembled an extensive collection over several decades, and a major portion of his holdings was publicly offered as The Jack Guevrekian Collection by the Numismatic & Antiquarian Service Corporation of America in New York in 1977. The piece was subsequently handled by Artemis Fine Arts. Private New York City collection.
Learn More
View a related ancient Cypriot Black-on-Red vessel in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Explore our curated Collection of Ceramics, Pottery & Ancient Heritage Art
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