A small terracotta pitcher with a handle. The pitcher is a dark orange-brown color. It has a small base and then widens towards the middle of the pitcher, before narrowing again to form a spout. The mouth has a lip shaped for pouring. There is a handle coming from the back of the spout and attaching to the wide part of the vessel. It appears that the pitcher was originally painted white with flowers and plants in various colors painted over the white paint. However, much of the paint has worn away. The outlines of the flowers can still be seen and some of them contain bits of red or yellow paint. Additionally, there are some long plants that still have some of their original green color, as well as some black plants painted with lines. There are green dots along the handle. A small green plant, as well as some green lines, are painted on the spout, and the rim is also painted green. There is a little bit of white paint inside the spout. There is a noticeable crack where the handle meets the side of the vessel.

This pitcher was donated by MaryAnn Pazianos Satryb, in honor of her parents, George M. and Anna G. Pazianos. The pitcher comes from the town of Agiasos (or Agiassos), on the island of Lesbos, which is know for producing earthenware pottery like this. Jugs and pitchers like this were used to hold water. Their porous nature allowed for evaporation, keeping the water inside the vessel cool. It is unclear whether this particular pitcher was used for utilitarian purposes or was simply decorative.

The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org