Marble vase with high foot and lug handles

Technical Analysis: Ultraviolet-induced visible luminescence examination, optical microscopy


This white marble, collared jar with a pedestal and four crescent-shaped, perforated lugs is completely intact. It has an upward tapering, conical neck with a wide mouth and everted rolled rim. The hemispherical body with a flat, narrow shoulder stands on a compact conical foot that has a small concave hollow and wide ring-like edges slightly flared upwards. The four long, crescent-shaped lugs, carved crosswise at equidistance, considerably protrude from the body of the vessel. They are perforated, some cutting into the body. The interior has been carved in a U-shape with traces of a bow drill that have been smoothened. The outer surface was polished smooth.


There is encrustation and discoloration on the surfaces.


Its large size is within the range for this type.(1) It has been attributed to Kandila Sculptor A, specifically the late-middle to early mature stage of the artist’s work. Its closest parallel is from Antiparos.(2) Another parallel close to its size comes from a grave in the Early Bronze Age cemetery at Pyrgos on Paros.(3) Within the Stern Collection of Cycladic Art, L.2022.38.90 is of similar size.


Georgios Gavalas and Wendy Walker


(1) Discussed by Getz–Gentle, Pat. 1996. The Stone Vessels of the Cyclades in the Early Bronze Age. pp. 5-39, University Park: The Pennsylvania State University Press.