Jug with decoration of dense reeds in a riverine landscape



Jug with decoration of dense reeds in a riverine landscape

Π3962
Clay
Mended
Height: 30 cm.
Phaistos
Palace
Late Bronze Age. Neopalatial period, Late Minoan ΙB period.:
1500 - 1450 BC:
Gallery:
IV
Case:
41
Exhibition thematic unit:
Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). The New Palaces. The zenith of Minoan civilisation
Palaces of Phaistos and Malia
Description
Jug decorated with dense reeds covering the whole surface. The reeds are seemingly growing from a wavy ground, perhaps indicating a riverine landscape. The jug is thought to be the work of the “Reed Painter”, one of several vase-painters who decorated vessels with these plants. He is identifiable by the way in which he paints the leaves with two brushstrokes. The vase is an example of the Floral Style, one of the styles of pottery decoration that make up the Special Palatial Tradition. The vessels in this style are elegant masterpieces, distinguished by the way in which the decorative themes are perfectly adapted to and highlight the shape of the vessel. The shapes are often inspired by metal prototypes, while the repertoire of the decoration is associated with similar themes found in Minoan frescoes. The best examples of the period were probably produced by a small number of artists in palace workshops, mainly those of Knossos and East Crete, while many were also exported outside the island.
Bibliography:
Betancourt, Ph.P. Η Ιστορία της Μινωικής κεραμεικής (trans. Th. Iliopoulos). Athens, 1985, 203-204. Mandalaki, S. and G. Rethemiotakis. Μινωικός Κόσμος. Ταξίδι στις απαρχές της Ευρώπης, Heraklion, 2015, 155, 158. Pernier, L. and L. Banti. Il Palazzo Minoico di Fest?s II, Roma, 1951, 175, fig. 106. Popham, M. "Late Minoan Pottery. A Summary." Annual of the British School at Athens 62 (1967): 337-351.
Author:
E. S.


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