There is something about a stone vessel that is very pleasing to the soul. Excellent stone vases have been made in Keftiu from the earliest of times (beginning around 2500 BC during the Early Minoan period). We first learned the skill from the craftsmen of Kemet but then we made the art our own. Our stone vessels are made from variegated colored stones such as limestone, marble, breccia, alabaster, and serpentine.
During the time of the First and Second Palaces, some shapes reflected Egyptian originals while others were based on Minoan pottery. A favorite form was called a "bird's nest vase". It was shaped like a bird's nest with a small base and walls that swell outward and are at their widest point at the top. These jars come with lids and were used as unguent jars, etc. Some of the lids were quite inventive and may have a handle in the form of a dog, etc. The popular blossom bowl was a vase with engraved petal designs. This form dates to the First and Second Palaces periods and is not common any longer. Dark grey serpentine was very popular during this period.
Ritual vases (rhytons) made of soft stone and sculpted in low relief were popular late in the Second Palaces period (the first half of the 15th century BC). These pieces were gilded and were cheaper versions of the gold cups from the same period. A gilded cup made of serpentine shows a young prince giving orders to the Captain of the Guard outside his palace. The young prince has a Minoan outfit, high boots, an elaborate jewelled collar, and a sceptre in his right hand.
Vases of limestone, variegated marble, alabaster, porphyritic stone, obsidian, rock-crystal, serpentine, and steatite were also common before the destruction of the Palaces. The "blossom bowl" and "bird's nest" shapes continued to be popular. Chalices also began to appear. We have some fine examples of obsidian chalices. Obsidian is a type of volcanic glass that is very hard to work. Few attempt it. We also have some fine chalices of variegated marble. One is beautifully undecorated and one is fluted horizontally. We also have a globular jar of variegated marble with two high handles. A mottled porphyritic stone spouted jar was inspired by an original from Kemet. A charming cosmetics bowl is made from rock-crystal and has a duck-head handle. Larger pieces include bulls' head rhytons of serpentine. The horns are of gilded wood, the eyes of rock-crystal, and the highlights are in white shell inlay. We also have a few marble lion-head rhytons.
After the fall of all the palaces save that of Knossos, the production of stone vases almost ceased. The only stone vases were made at the palace of Knossos. These later vases tend to be larger and less graceful. Ever since the final fall of Knossos, very few stone vases have been made on Keftiu.
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Created before July 2005
Last Updated November 30, 2009