ITEM: Cup MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Bronze Age PERIOD: 2nd millenium B.C DIMENSIONS: 85 mm x 85 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990 The Bronze Age marked a transformative leap in ceramic production as societies transitioned from simple, handmade vessels to more specialized and decorated wares. With the introduction of the slow potter’s wheel in various regions, artisans were able to achieve greater symmetry and thinner walls, reflecting a growing sophistication in craft. This era also saw the emergence of distinct regional styles, such as the elegant, long-spouted "beak-spouted" jugs of the Minoan civilization and the sturdy, cord-marked vessels of the Corded Ware culture in Europe. These advancements were not merely technical; they signaled a shift toward mass production and the standardization of forms. Beyond their practical utility for storing grain, oil, and wine, these pottery items became essential canvases for cultural expression and social signaling. Intricate painted motifs—ranging from geometric patterns to maritime life and floral designs—often adorned vessels used in elite feasting or religious rituals. The durability of ceramic material has allowed archaeologists to use these varying styles as "diagnostic markers" to trace the migration of peoples, the boundaries of ancient empires, and the evolution of aesthetic tastes across centuries. In many cultures, high-quality pottery was even buried with the dead, serving as a status symbol for the afterlife. As trade networks expanded across the Mediterranean, the Near East, and Asia, pottery became one of the first truly global commodities. The exchange of ceramic goods facilitated a "cross-pollination" of ideas, where potters would imitate the shapes and decorative techniques of distant neighbors. For instance, some Bronze Age ceramics were specifically designed to mimic the appearance of expensive hammered metalwork, featuring sharp angles and lustrous slips. This interplay between clay and metal, combined with the logistical need for transportable containers, ensured that pottery remained the backbone of economic and domestic life until the dawn of the Iron Age. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license. If you bid outside the European union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.