Small two-handled jug

Small two-handled jug from Samos island. The rim bears a barely legible inscription in Greek urging shepherds to drink wine, but teachers to go easy on it, and the date, 17 February 1846. On the greenish-white glazed surface is depicted a male figure between two floral designs, while the back is decorated with a multi-petalled rosette. This is one of the oldest examples of neo-Hellenic ceramic work with an absolutely certain production date. The manufacturing technique carries on the Byzantine tradition. H. 0.10 m. Gift of Eleni Efkleidi. (ΓΕ 8646)