Cypriot Terracotta Jug in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, November 2010

Title: Terracotta jug

Medium; Technique: Terracotta

Culture: Cypriot

Period: Cypro-Archaic I

Date: ca. 750–600 B.C.

Dimensions: H. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm) diameter 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76

Accession Number: 74.51.509


Description:

Two figures and two birds flanking a lotus composition

Closely related to 74.51.510, this vase depicts two human figures and two birds flanking a central lotus composition that is the equivalent of a sacred tree. The figures wear long garments, trousers, and shoes; their sex is not readily identifiable. Each looks toward the bird behind him, one bending forward, the other upright. The representation may pertain to an Oriental deity that has power over animals.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/collection_database/greek_...