Marble spouted bowl

ca. 2700–2400/2300 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 151
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Technical analysis: Ultraviolet-induced visible light luminescence examination


This delicate, marble spouted, conical bowl is complete except for the chipped spout and minor losses at the rim and lug. Its relatively thin-walled sides curve up and out from a narrow flat base. A gently curved spout is carved at one end of the rim and a shallow horizontal lug is carved opposite it for a balanced pour. The bowl is similar to clay Early Helladic and Early Cycladic sauceboats that most likely were used for pouring and/or drinking liquids.


The surface is weathered with a pinkish-brown encrustation and there are traces of ancient tool marks.


Sandy MacGillivray and Wendy Walker


(1) For this type and comparanda, see Getz-Gentle, Pat. 1996. Stone Vessels of the Cyclades in the Early Bronze Age. pp. 109-12, University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble spouted bowl
  • Period: Early Cycladic II
  • Date: ca. 2700–2400/2300 BCE
  • Culture: Cycladic
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: Height: 3 7/16 in. (8.8 cm)
    Width: 6 15/16 in. (17.6 cm)
    Length: 8 in. (20.3 cm)
    Thickness: 3/16 in. (.5 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Leonard N. Stern Collection, Loan from the Hellenic Republic, Ministry of Culture
  • Object Number: L.2022.38.148
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art