Bird Vase

The "Free-Field Style" is characterized by a large, elaborate central composition (human, plant or animal) in dark paint on a light background. Highlights were often added in red. The style, which began in the Cypro-Geometric and flourished in the Cypro-Archaic period, is unique to Cyprus. Jugs of this shape were often painted in the "Free-Field Style." This one, an early example of the type, has swastikas, multiple chevrons and a pair of prophylactic eyes on its trefoil rim, but no central composition. If you look closely you will notice a series of dark lines on the side of the pot; these are an impression from the paint of another pot which was placed near or against this one in the kiln (pots were mass produced and fired in groups); the paint smudged off, leaving this "shadow" mark.