Cypriot Geometric Terracotta Jar

Each with a hollow-form crescentic body with a large teardrop-shaped garnet set within a cell with radiating pearl studs; a pendant panel below with garnet cabochons, five pendant drops with pearl finials and a central teardrop-shaped garnet; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 22.40 grams total, 47-49 mm (107 grams total, 92 mm high including stand)



From a private collection. Acquired from Mr D.S., 7 February 2008. Private UK collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12119-214174.

The material culture of the Hellenistic east followed the eastern Mediterranean polychromy. Many beautiful jewels were produced in Alexandria or in the Syrian cities and the majority of their precious decorations was imitated by jewellers of more remote provinces, like those of the Greek Pontic cities.

Conical in form with rounded shoulder, everted rim and two round-section handles; painted with concentric bands around the interior and exterior. 243 grams, 15.5 cm wide



Acquired in Europe before 1992. European collection.

The skyphos was already well known in Greece since the age of the Achaeans. In Homer, Eumaeus, the swineherd, prepares for his guest Ulysses a cyssibium filled with wine which the hero drinks during the meal and, when he is full, Eumaeus makes him drink from the cup in which he himself was using, a skyphos. Ulysses also offers Polyphemus a drink in a skyphos.

Modelled in the half-round on a tongue-shaped plaque, with right hand in the folds of the robe and left hand holding the hem; mounted on a custom-made stand. 155 grams total, 13.7 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.