Cypriot Terracotta Large Cypriot Red Polished Ware Jug with Beak-Shaped Spout - 36 cm

Large and unusually shaped Cypriot Red Polished Ware jug, dating to the Middle Bronze Age.

The vessel has a voluminous, almost globular body with a rounded base. From the shoulder rises an exceptionally tall and slender neck, slightly inclined towards the top and terminating in a distinctive cut-away, beak-shaped spout. The elongated opening extends considerably down into the upper part of the neck, creating the characteristic and highly sculptural profile of the vessel.

A substantial, almost angular or square-sectioned handle connects the neck with the shoulder. Its outer surface is decorated with a regular sequence of obliquely incised notches.
At the base of the neck is an additional small applied suspension loop or lug, adding another characteristic plastic element to the vessel.

The otherwise strongly defined and elegant form is accentuated by a limited number of carefully placed applied and incised decorative elements.

The shoulder is decorated with four applied knob-shaped projections, distributed around the globular body and forming a distinctive three-dimensional ornament.

One side of the tall neck bears an incised geometric zigzag or chevron pattern, composed of several sharply cut angular lines arranged one above another. The handle is additionally articulated by a series of diagonal incisions.

The combination of applied knobs, geometric incision and the decorated handle gives the vessel a particularly distinctive appearance.

The surface displays the characteristic reddish-brown to orange-brown colour of Cypriot Red Polished Ware. It was carefully smoothed and polished, with areas of the original burnished surface still visible.
Age and burial have resulted in lighter mineral deposits, discolouration and numerous fine surface traces. Variations in the preservation of the polished surface create an attractive range of tones from light orange and ochre to deeper reddish brown.

Red Polished Ware is among the most characteristic ceramic traditions of Bronze Age Cyprus. Alongside simpler bowls and jugs, Cypriot potters produced highly individual vessels distinguished by elaborate spouts, applied plastic decoration and incised geometric ornament.

The present vessel is particularly striking for its combination of a large globular body, exceptionally elongated neck and pronounced cut-away beak-shaped spout.

The applied shoulder knobs, incised neck decoration, suspension lug and notched handle further emphasise the decorative and sculptural character of the vessel.

Attractive age-related condition with surface wear, fine scratches, discolouration and earthy and mineral deposits consistent with age.

There are chips and small losses to the upper edge of the beak-shaped spout. The four applied shoulder knobs, small suspension lug and handle are preserved. The incised geometric decoration remains clearly visible.
Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

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 documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.