Oinochoe. Cyprus, Archaic period, c. 750–600 B.C.

Oinochoe. Cyprus, Archaic period, c. 750–600 B.C.
Terracotta.
Condition: intact.
Provenance: private collection, Paris, France.
Measurements: 22.5 cm in height.

Cypriot terracotta oinochoe from the Archaic period, with a globular body, short neck, trilobed rim, and a vertical handle on the back. The piece features a simple decoration of horizontal bands in dark and reddish tones on the ceramic surface, following an ornamental tradition characteristic of Cypriot production during the Iron Age.

The term oinochoe refers to a jug intended for serving and pouring wine, a form widely used in the ancient Mediterranean world. In Cyprus, this type of vessel reflects the island’s strategic position as a hub of cultural exchange between the Greek, Phoenician, and Near Eastern worlds, giving rise to pottery characterized by functional forms and geometric decoration of great balance. The decorative austerity and formal harmony give the piece a notable archaeological presence.