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Kados with decoration of white lilies

Π2619
Clay
Mended and restored.
Height: 27 cm. Rim diameter: 14.5 cm.
Knossos
Palace - Magazine of the Lily Vases
Late Bronze Age. Neopalatial period, Late Minoan ΙA period.:
1600-1500 BC:
Gallery:
IV
Case:
40
Exhibition thematic unit:
Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). The New Palaces. The zenith of Minoan civilisation
Palaces - Palatial Buildings
Description
This tall, tapering jar was found with other almost identical vessels in the Magazine of the Lily Vases of the palace of Knossos. The room obviously takes its name from the striking decoration of clusters of white lily plants on a dark ground adorning the surface of the vessels. The masterly design of the lily clusters covering almost the whole surface of the vessel is evidence of the vase-painter’s skill at naturalistic depiction of the themes, and of the successful use of every side of this storage vessel as a single “canvas”. From an iconographical point of view, the decorative composition is clearly reminiscent of high art, such as the famous Prince of the Lilies Fresco from the palace of Knossos. Frescoes with lilies also adorned the walls of other Neopalatial Cretan buildings such as the Villa of the Lilies at Amnissos, the Southeast House at Knossos, Agia Triada, as well as buildings in settlements outside Crete, the most striking example being the Spring Fresco at Akrotiri Thera. Lilies are also often depicted on many other artefacts. The most widely accepted interpretation of the symbolism of the lily in the context of Minoan religion and ritual practice is that it is shorthand for the presence or some attribute of the Minoan goddess.
Bibliography:
Evans, A.J. The Palace of Minos: A Comparative Account of the Successive Stages of the Early Cretan Civilization as Illustrated by the Discoveries at Knossos. Vol. I. London, 1921, 576-579, 605, figs. 420-1, 443.
Author:
I. N.


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