Double handled jar (neck-amphora) of red clay
with large globular body and splayed neck.
Body divided into three sections by two series of
three parallel lines, each running around the
circumference of the vessel, while a third marks
the point of distinction between body and neck.
Although the same decorative motif and in a
variety of dimensions has been generously
applied to both the body and the neck of this
amphora, its lower part lacks any type of
decoration.
Both loop handles are decorated by zig-zag lines
traced directly into the clay before the firing took
place, with impressions of digits filing the in-
between spaces. Two semilunar decorations
(horns?) in relief are at the point the handle is
attached to the neck.
Directly under the rim, groups of three lines
resembling waves.
The tall neck is decorated by two medallions on
either side, each enclosing the figure of a bird in
profile to the right. Four small decorative
medallions are framing each handle in pairs at
the point of attachment to the neck, three very
similar among them, divided into quarters, the
fourth contains a shape similar to what is today
known as David’s star, with all six points filled in
color.
On the shoulder, a row of uninterrupted
medallions, each comprising two birds in profile
to the right. These birds are of smaller
dimensions to the ones depicted on the belly and
the neck and seem of an entirely different
species (quails?)
Around the belly of the amphora a row of larger
medallions, each containing a bird in profile to
the right. The birds are slightly dissimilar in
proportions nor are they represented in the same
way, with an assorted variety of decorative details
on their body, the tail feathers and the crests on
their heads (peacocks?). All gaps between each
medallion are filled by a scored pattern.
It is very possible that the artist which decorated
this amphora caught the birds while feeding, as
they are all holding among their beaks elaborate
semicircular elements, which look very much like
parts of plants or it was just a simple way to fill
in the gap and create a greater sense of balance
in the composition.
- (LO.640)
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