Large Cypriot Hydria

Culture: Cypriot

Period: 750-600 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 42.3 cm high

Price: 3 600 Euro

Ref: 2632

Provenance: From the collection of the French archaeologist Jean Pouilloux (1917-1996), who was the director of the excavations in the east Cypriot city Salamis until 1974.

Condition: Intact. In some areas thin encrustation and spots, but very beautifully preserved.

Description: Large Cypriot hydria of the so-called White Painted IV Ware dating to the archaic period. The large amphora has a third handle, which reaches from the neck to the shoulder. This form was taken over by the Greek. It made it easier to carry and pour out the liquid. In a vessel of this size, it was probably a storage vessel for water. The hydria is painted with black colour. The motive depicts encircling parallel lines, concentric circles drawn with a compass, as well as bands and tongues. The two handles on the shoulder and the rim are coloured in black. The vertical third handle is decorated with bands. The hydria stands on a slightly set off foot ring. The bulbous body merges into a cylindrical shoulder. The rim is protruding and rounded. See for the type a slightly smaller hydria in the English collection David Johnson with the number DJ255, AN235.