Cypriotic Terracotta Milk Bowl (Wishbone Handle Bowl), Base Ring Ware - 7 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 850 - € 1,000
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Cypriot Milk Bowl (Wishbone Handle Bowl), Base Ring Ware, a Late Bronze Age terracotta vessel (c. 1600–1450 BC) standing 7 cm high, 22 cm wide and 16 cm deep, in fair condition and authentic original, acquired in 2025 from Germany from a private collection, with a previous owner who acquired it in 1960.
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Description from the seller
Characteristic Cypriot Milk Bowl in finely fired terracotta, featuring a deep bowl, a tall conical foot, and the distinctive wishbone (horned) handle typical of this vessel type. The plain, undecorated surface represents an early and elegant example of Cypriot Bronze Age pottery.
Vessels of this form are among the most iconic ceramic types produced in Bronze Age Cyprus and are commonly referred to as Milk Bowls. Their original function is generally associated with the consumption or ritual pouring of liquids in both domestic and ceremonial contexts.
Comparable examples are held in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where a closely related example is exhibited as Terracotta bowl with wishbone handle (c. 1600–1450 BC).
The harmonious proportions, elevated conical foot, and characteristic horned handle make this vessel an excellent representative of Cypriot Late Bronze Age ceramic production.
Condition:
Well preserved. Age-related wear, minor chips, surface abrasion, and old, stable restorations to the rim. Overall an authentic and attractive collector's piece.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Seller's Story
I am pleased to be able to offer my pieces here on Catawiki.
Transparency: In my offers, you will find all documents and information available to me. Furthermore, there are no additional documents.
Authenticity certificates: If no authenticity certificate is available, I do not promise one. All the documentation I have is attached to the auction.
Provenance: Many pieces come from the estate of a passionate collector who gathered items over 50 years, traveled the world, and also accompanied archaeological expeditions. She has been deceased for about 20 years, which is why no additional documents are available.
Fairness: I list my items honestly and without a minimum price – no one is forced to spend more than they wish.
My goal is fair and open trade, where buyers know exactly what to expect.
Translated by Google TranslateCharacteristic Cypriot Milk Bowl in finely fired terracotta, featuring a deep bowl, a tall conical foot, and the distinctive wishbone (horned) handle typical of this vessel type. The plain, undecorated surface represents an early and elegant example of Cypriot Bronze Age pottery.
Vessels of this form are among the most iconic ceramic types produced in Bronze Age Cyprus and are commonly referred to as Milk Bowls. Their original function is generally associated with the consumption or ritual pouring of liquids in both domestic and ceremonial contexts.
Comparable examples are held in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where a closely related example is exhibited as Terracotta bowl with wishbone handle (c. 1600–1450 BC).
The harmonious proportions, elevated conical foot, and characteristic horned handle make this vessel an excellent representative of Cypriot Late Bronze Age ceramic production.
Condition:
Well preserved. Age-related wear, minor chips, surface abrasion, and old, stable restorations to the rim. Overall an authentic and attractive collector's piece.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Seller's Story
I am pleased to be able to offer my pieces here on Catawiki.
Transparency: In my offers, you will find all documents and information available to me. Furthermore, there are no additional documents.
Authenticity certificates: If no authenticity certificate is available, I do not promise one. All the documentation I have is attached to the auction.
Provenance: Many pieces come from the estate of a passionate collector who gathered items over 50 years, traveled the world, and also accompanied archaeological expeditions. She has been deceased for about 20 years, which is why no additional documents are available.
Fairness: I list my items honestly and without a minimum price – no one is forced to spend more than they wish.
My goal is fair and open trade, where buyers know exactly what to expect.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Cypriotic
Century/timeframe
Late Bronze Age, c. 1600–1450 BC
Name of object
Milk Bowl (Wishbone Handle Bowl), Base Ring Ware
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
7 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
22 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
16 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
