Cypriot Terracotta Vessel Group

With globular body, tall tubular neck and flared mouth; circumferential bands of hatching, concentric rings and chevrons; loop handle with thumb-pad spur to the reverse of the neck; plank idol to the shoulder with anthropomorphic detailing to both faces; supplied with a display stand; repaired. 1.68 kg, 37 cm high



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.

Red polished ware was the dominant ware of the Early Bronze Age. The clay was covered with red slip which was then burnished to produce a high point. The Philia red polished ware was characterised by incised multi-zigzag and open herring-bone bands, and also batches of multi-lines on base.

With pinched three-lobe mouth and strap handle; threads and details highlighted in purple; decorated scene in square metope comprising two dancing figures, one male and the other female, probably symposiasts; the male naked, holding a stick in his right hand and with the other arm carrying his coat; the female, a hetaera, dancing and running to the right, wearing a long chiton and a coat. 423 grams, 20.3 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12089-218152.

With mouth and carapace detailing to the upper face, underside with intaglio image of a crouching warrior with a shield on his back, pelletted border. 0.78 grams, 10 mm



Acquired from Mr A.K. in 2012. Private collection, Europe.