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Terracotta lentoid flask

11th century BCE
Not on view
Both sides of the flask are decorated with goats, birds, and rudimentary foliage. The skeletal character of the birds' wings provides a noteworthy antecedent to the renderings on Cypro-Archaic vases. The origin of this piece has been much discussed. The shape, clay, burnishing, and other technical features have stronger parallels in Levantine than in Cypriot pottery. Indeed, it is probably one of the earliest Phoenician vases imported into Cyprus.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta lentoid flask
  • Period: Iron Age
  • Date: 11th century BCE
  • Culture: Levantine
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
    thickness 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.431
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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