Types of ornament on „Pichvnari jugs“ (chronological frames, distribution area)

Abstract

A particularly interesting group can be distinguished among the ceramic material from the ancient-period cemetery of Pichvnari in Kobuleti. This group stands out from other Colchian pottery due to its specific and visually striking forms and decorative motifs. The distribution area of the Pichvnari-type jugs does not extend beyond Pichvnari itself; they are primarily found in Colchian and Greek cemeteries dated to the 5th–4th centuries BC. This form of jug does not appear before the mid-5th century BC and continues into the 4th century BC, though with less intensity. Observations of the construction of the vessel forms have led to the hypothesis that at least two pottery workshops were operating at the site.