Terracotta jug

Unknown

ca. 750–600 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Ships provided the link between Cyprus and the surrounding world, and the island was renowned for its shipbuilding. The vessel here is clearly provided with a mast, a sail shown furled, and a pair of steering oars. Of particular interest is the bird's head ornamenting the stern. This feature seems to have originated in the Aegean during the prehistoric period, and it survived well into the first millennium B.C. We do not know if the ship is Cypriot or foreign.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 750–600 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76