Cypriote, Cyprus

The migration from the Greek mainland to the island of Cyprus following the end of the Late Bronze Age introduced linear and geometric forms to Cypriote art and culture. The design of this ridge-handled jug reflects the style that emerged during the Geometric and the Late Geometric period. The concentric, compass-drawn black rings that circumscribe the central, hand-painted red circle are traditional decorative elements of the “circle” style of bichrome ware. Customarily found in the western and northern areas of Cyprus, similar black-on-red pieces have been found throughout the area.