Part of the Khálepia Hoard. Vessel

A goblet-shaped vessel with slightly outwardly deflected rims. It has stamp decoration and incised ornamentation in the form of parallel lines converging at an angle. This linear composition is an image of plants (“spruces”, but with branches down and without trunks). There are three such images on the neck. Each of the plants consists of four lines. There is the same rhythm right below them on the shoulders. However, in the gaps of this lower part of the composition, there are two images of plants with trunks. In this case, the branches consist of six parallel lines.
The multiplicity of “four” may not be accidental for individual ornamental elements, as well as the overall composition. This number had sacred significance in several ancient cultures. Therefore, the subordination of certain images to “four” probably also has a symbolic meaning. The image of the plant contributes to such an interpretation. We tend to interpret it as a symbol of rebirth.