EARLY BRONZE AGE, CIRCA 2000-1900 B.C.

Details

A CYPRIOT RED POLISHED WARE GRAPE PRESSING ANTHROPOMORPHIC BOWL
EARLY BRONZE AGE, CIRCA 2000-1900 B.C.
Showing eleven relief male figures, six standing on a ledge around the rim of an ovoid bowl with a larger figure inside, standing on a pedestal and attached by a strut to a channel and two containers behind, the front narrowing towards a 'sluice' on top of which are two more containers and in front two seated male figures, with another two at the exit of the sloping runnel, traces of black painted decoration, on four raised feet, repaired and restored
13½ in. (34.3 cm.) high; 18½ in. (47 cm.) long

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Sale room notice

There is a revised estimate on this lot of 15,000-25,000.

Lot Essay

This bowl appears to be depict a scenic or narrative composition, possibly showing grape-treading which was a male occupation. As in Italy today, an honoured guest is invited to be the first person to tread the grapes. If this conjecture is correct, this bowl might be the earliest example known of this activity. Cf. The Art of Ancient Cyprus, pp. 264-290, for other scenic composition vessels.

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