A Cypriot antiquity identified in an online auction has been repatriated from the United Kingdom.
The artifact — a stemmed bowl (kylix) of Bichrome ware dating to the Cypro‑Geometric III (900–750 BC) / Cypro‑Archaic I (750–600 BC) period — was located by Antiquities Department officers who monitor the illicit trafficking of Cypriot cultural property online.
Authorities said the item was withdrawn from sale after consultations with the auction house.
The kylix features opposed loop handles and is decorated with encircling bands of black horizontal lines on both the interior and exterior.
The antiquity was formally handed over to the Cyprus High Commission in London on February 4.
The Department of Antiquities expressed gratitude to the auction house and the possessor for voluntarily returning the object, and thanked the High Commission for coordinating the repatriation process.