Ancient Mediterranean, Island of Crete, Minoan Civilization, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A buff ceramic oinochoe with a trefoil rim and a narrow strap handle. The body is beautifully formed, apple-shaped, and studded around the shoulder with four small, bulbous projections - two below the rim and two on either side of the handle. The rise of an urban society, centered on the palace at Knossos and other, smaller cities, required the Minoans to manufacture a wide range of specialized storage items like this one. During the first half of the 2nd millennium BCE, Minoan Crete was prosperous and actively traded with other cultures around the Mediterranean. They exported oil, amongst other goods, perhaps in a container just like this one. Size: 5" W x 6.1" H (12.7 cm x 15.5 cm)

Provenance: private Swiss collection

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#124185

Repaired and restored so that repairs are almost invisible.