A Cypriot Red Polished Ware Footed Bowl, Late Bronze Age, Cyprus, ca. 1450–1200 BCE

A finely balanced shallow bowl raised on a hollow cylindrical foot, with a prominent loop handle affixed to one side. The interior is coated in a rich red slip, contrasting with the exterior, where a brown slip with cream-painted linear decoration encircles the bowl and handle. The underside is particularly striking, decorated with brushed cream concentric half-circles on a red slip ground, framing the foot in a bold graphic motif. This piece exemplifies the refined aesthetic and technical skill of Late Bronze Age Cypriot ceramic production, particularly the tradition of Red Polished Ware that continued to evolve into more decorative forms during this period. Medium:  Clay Dimensions:  Height: 2 1/2 inches (6.3 cm), Width with handle: 8 1/4 inches (21 cm) Condition:  Repair to a hairline crack in the side wall, minor rim chips around the rim, otherwise intact. Provenance:  Private collection of diplomat Norman M. Bouton (1933 - 2018), acquired while serving in Cyprus (06/1969 - 06/1972