Terracotta rim of a cup with spirals and bands
Unknown Artist
ca. 1800–1700 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 1 x 2 1/8in. (2.5 x 5.4cm)
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Minoan · Middle Minoan II
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, by exchange, 1911
Accession Number
11.186.35
Art Historical Context
This delicate terracotta rim fragment from cup, dating to around 1800–1700 BCE, offers a glimpse into the vibrant of Minoan Crete during the Middle Minoan II period.orned with swirling spirals and bold bands, it exemplifies the island's early Bronze Age pottery tradition. Measuring just 1 x 2 1/8 inches, this small piece was likely part of a everyday or ceremonial vessel, crafted from fired clay—a durable, accessible medium that allowed Minoan artisans to experiment with form and decoration on a grand scale. Minoan potters were masters of the potter's wheel, producing finely shaped wares inci...