Lot 18
18
A RARE CYPRIOT BLACK POLISHED WARE MOUTH-COVER
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A RARE CYPRIOT BLACK POLISHED WARE MOUTH-COVER

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

Details
A RARE CYPRIOT BLACK POLISHED WARE MOUTH-COVER
EARLY BRONZE AGE, CIRCA 2000-1900 B.C.
Of elliptical concave form, with a central groove on the exterior to take attachment cord and continuing into the pierced terminals of the tapered ends, decorated with incised motifs, bands of multiple zigzag and groups of diamonds on both sides, repaired, mounted
4 in. (10.1 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.

Lot Essay

PUBLISHED:
The Art of Ancient Cyprus, pp. 253 and 263, pl. 288.

This is a rare surviving terracotta version of a form that is known from examples in gold, used to cover the mouth of the corpse before burial, dating to the end of the Late Bronze Age. It has been suggested that the above terracotta mouth-cover may be a copy of perishable wooden versions used during the Early Bronze Age period.

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