Cross on Hellenistic black-glazed amphora

Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece

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Title: Amphora
Inventory Number: ΝΑ 1955 · ΝΑΚ 208
Category: Vessel
Period: Hellenistic Period
Date: 100–86 BC
Dimensions:
• Height: 0.198 m
• Rim diameter: 0.141 m
• Base diameter: 0.097 m
Material: Clay
Location: Gallery of the Acropolis Slopes, Case 2, No. 87

Description:
West slope amphora mended from many fragments and restored. It was found in 1955 on the south slope of the Acropolis.

Its ring-foot is two-stepped, the wide body biconical and the neck cylindrical with overhanging rim. The two vertical, twisted handles have relief pointy protrusions at their junction with the body. Narrow horizontal grooves run around both the body and rim. The vessel covers black glaze inside and out and bears the same additional painted decoration on both exterior sides. The shoulder adorn geometric motifs and the neck flowers and garlands of ivy leaves.

The neck of the amphora displays a cross within a circular shape with what appears to be sun rays.

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Hellenistic period black-glazed clay amphora with painted ivy and geometric motifs

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Source:  Athens, Greece