Illustration
One of the world's most famous works of Minoan pottery, this vessel shows five mollusks called nautili floating above the seafloor. The sinuous undulating lines of the water plans and nautili tentacles clearly demonstrate the Minoans' love of bold sweeping designs. For the Egyptians, Minoan painting must have provided an exotic contrast to their own balanced, ordered designs. This specimen of painted pottery dates from the Late Minoan IB Period (c. 1575-1500 BCE). It was uncovered in Lower Egypt but was made in Crete. (Brooklyn Museum, New York)
About the Author
James is a writer and former Professor of History. He holds an MA in World History with a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of Ancient History Encyclopedia and its Communications Director.
Related Images
Minoan Art
The art of the Minoan civilization of Bronze Age Crete (2000-1500 BCE) displays a love of animal...
Minoan Civilization
The Minoan civilization flourished in the Middle Bronze Age on the island of Crete located in the eastern...
Minoan Jewellery
The jewellery of the Minoan civilization based on Bronze Age Crete demonstrates, as with other Minoan visual art forms...
Minoan Stoneware
Craftsmen of the Minoan civilization centred on the island of Crete produced stone vessels from the early Bronze Age...
Minoan Pottery
The ever evolving pottery from the Minoan civilization of Bronze Age Crete (2000-1500 BCE) demonstrates, perhaps better...
Minoan Frescoes
Frescoes are the source of some of the most striking imagery handed down to us from the Minoan civilization of Bronze...