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  Jug with bird and lotus blossom (AN1967.1088) Back to previous page
 

Jug with bird and lotus blossom"Free field" bichrome jug with design of a large long-necked bird (an ibis?) sipping at a stylised lotus blossom. The bird's outline and details of wings and tail are in black paint, while the body and parts of the tail and wing are filled with areas of solid red. The jug itself has a perfectly rounded body, and a pinched mouth with two little "eyes" on either side. Its slightly anthropomorphic appearance is added to by what appears to be a "necklace" round its neck.

The decoration echoes themes of Egyptian wildlife, but is treated in an entirely Cypriot manner. The stylised way in which both bird and lotus blossom are treated is reminiscent of fine embroidery designs.

 
 
   
  Other Details:
Bichrome IV, c. 700 BC. No provenance.
   
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