A Cypriot antiquity dating to the Cypro‑Archaic I period has been repatriated from the United Kingdom after it was identified for sale in an online auction, authorities have said.
The Department of Antiquities said the vessel — a Black‑on‑Red III (IV) jug dated between 750 and 600 B.C. — was located by officials who monitor illegal trafficking of Cypriot antiquities online. The item was withdrawn from sale following contact with the auction house and was handed over to the Cyprus High Commission in London on March 7.
The jug features a spherical body, short cylindrical neck and a vertical handle, with black concentric‑circle decoration on a polished reddish surface. Its rim is missing.
Authorities thanked Watsons Auctioneers and the donors for voluntarily returning the object, as well as the Cultural Section of the Cyprus High Commission for coordinating the repatriation.