Cypriote, Cyprus

During the Late Bronze Age (about 1600 – 1050 BCE) Cyprus’s trading contacts expanded considerably, with handcrafted pottery as a primary export. White slipware vessels like this tankard were highly sought after for both their decorative and functional value. The white “slip,” the coating of thinned clay applied to the gray clay body, provided a background for various patterns in brown or black. Given their textural quality, these patterns might have been imitating ancient embroidery, woven designs, or etched decorations on gourds. The shape of this tankard, reminiscent of a gourd, would have made it an ideal vessel for wine drinking — a purpose that is further evidenced by the handle and high thumb hold that project from its lip.