ITEM: Oinochoe MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Iron Age, Cypriot PERIOD: 1050 - 900 B.C DIMENSIONS: 210 mm x 143 mm diameter CONDITION: Good condition, one hole, see pictures. PROVENANCE: Ex Swedish private collection, H.B., acquired between 1930 - 1960 PARALLEL: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number: 74.51.734 The Cypriot oinochoe is one of the most distinctive vessels in the history of ancient Mediterranean pottery, serving primarily as a jug for pouring wine. These vessels are characterized by their elegant, ovoid bodies, narrow necks, and the quintessential trefoil-shaped mouth, which allowed for a controlled, drip-free pour. Crafted primarily from the local clay of Cyprus, they reflect a unique synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences from the Levant, Egypt, and Greece, making them vital markers of the island's role as a cultural crossroads during the Bronze and Iron Ages. One of the most celebrated styles found on these jugs is the "Free-Field" technique, which flourished during the Cypro-Archaic period. Unlike the rigid, geometric zones seen in other Greek-influenced pottery, Cypriot artisans often treated the curved surface of the oinochoe as a blank canvas. They painted whimsical, asymmetric compositions—most famously a single bird with elongated legs, a stylized fish, or a lotus flower—positioned directly opposite the handle. This minimalist approach, characterized by bold outlines and a playful sense of space, gives the pottery a modern, surprisingly avant-garde aesthetic that remains highly prized by collectors today. Beyond their artistic value, these vessels provide deep insight into the social and ritual life of ancient Cyprus. Oinochoai were not merely kitchen tools; they were essential components of the symposion (drinking party) and were frequently placed in tombs as grave goods to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Whether decorated with simple concentric circles or elaborate narrative scenes of chariots and warriors, the Cypriot oinochoe stands as a testament to the island’s sophisticated craftsmanship and its enduring legacy in the evolution of ceramic form. 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.