Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Clay objects : Cup with applied plastic decoration of a seated feline among trees [Π19816]

Cup with applied plastic decoration of a seated feline among trees

Π19816

Clay

Mended and restored.

Height: 6.9 cm. Rim diameter: 7 cm. Base diameter: 3.3 cm.

Malia

Quartier Μu, Building D

Middle Bronze Age. Protopalatial period, Middle Minoan ΙΙI period.:

1750 - 1700 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

Exhibition thematic unit:

Middle Bronze Age - Late Prepalatial-Protopalatial period (2200-1700 BC). From small communities to towns

Life in the settlements

Description

Semiglobular cup of a characteristic Middle Minoan II type but differentiated by its unique decoration. The applied figurines made separately in a mould, combined with the very low relief of the surface, depict an interesting landscape. A cat sits among trees and plants, while marine motifs such as shells, crabs and rocks can be discerned elsewhere on the vessel. The cup was painted in at least two colours, as traces of white and red paint are preserved on its surface. The scene of the cat among trees is believed to be inspired by Egyptian iconography and attests to the fruitful dialogue between Minoan and Egyptian art. The cup was found in Quarter Mu of Malia together with other similar vessels and pieces of applied decoration.

Bibliography:

Detournay, Β., J.-C. Poursat and F. Vandenabeele (eds), Le Quartier Mu II. ?tudes Cr?toises 26, Paris, 1980, 122, fig. 173, 174. Karetsou, A. M. Andreadaki-Vlazaki and N. Papadakis (eds), Κρήτη - Αίγυπτος. Πολιτισμικοί Δεσμοί Τριών Χιλιετιών. Κατάλογος Έκθεσης στο Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Ηρακλείου, 21 Νοεμβρίου 1999 - 21 Σεπτεμβρίου 2000. Heraklion, 2000, 56, no. 31. Poursat, J.-C., “Malia et l’ ?gypte.” In Α. Karetsou (ed.), Kρήτη-Αίγυπτος. Πολιτισμικοί δεσμοί τριών χιλιετιών. Μελέτες. Athens, 2000, 29-30.

Author:

E. S.

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