Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleJuglet

About this objectA Cypriot Geometric juglet in the Black-on-red style with a handle running from the back of the mouth to the shoulder of the body. The outer surface is polished and has been covered with a hard orange-red slip. Line decorations have been added in matt black paint. There is a wide band around the base of the neck, and five thinner horizontal bands around the body just below the point where the handle attaches. The handle has bands down the edges and on the inner face, and bar on the outer face.

The mouth of the juglet has a trefoil lip (three-sided) which not only makes the jug look nicer, it also makes pouring easier. These small containers are associated with the production of perfumed oils, ointments, or lotions.

On each side of the spout is painted an eye, which is a common decoration on vases at this time, especially in Cyprus. The pointed spout with the eyes makes the profile look like a bird's beak, but the original intent is to look like a ship's prow. The eyes on the prow of a boat were a symbol for protection, and perhaps the eyes also gave some protection to the contents of the jug and the one who would use it.

Date Made8th Century BC

PeriodIron Age

Place MadeCyprus

Medium and MaterialsCeramic: Pottery

Style and IconographyCypro-Geometric

Style and IconographyCypro-Phoenician

TechniqueThrowing (pottery technique)

TechniquePolychromy

MeasurementsHeight 81mm; Diameter 56mm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Subject and Association KeywordsFigurative art

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by the Christchurch Classical Association, 1953. Formerly in the collection of James H Rea.

Object TypeContainers

Object number15.53