Terracotta jar with nautiluses

ca. 1400–1300 BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 151

Three nautiluses, a type of marine mollusk, float among the rocks and plants of the sea floor on this large storage jar. The decoration reflects the importance of the sea for the Mycenaeans, whose goods circulated throughout the Mediterranean world. Transport vessels like this one have been discovered from Spain to the Levant, indicating the presence of an extensive trade network, but their contents—including oil, wine, and other perishable commodities—were probably the main items of exchange.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Terracotta jar with nautiluses
Period: Late Helladic IIIA
Date: ca. 1400–1300 BCE
Culture: Helladic, Mycenaean
Medium: Terracotta
Dimensions: H. 21 1/4 in. (54 cm)
Classification: Vases
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
Object Number: 14.147.2
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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