Pitharaki – Tzara

Pitharaki – Tzara. Miniature tzara(jar) decorated using a toothed wheel, 18th century.

Melopitharo (honey jar). Specially made for storing honey. The potter adds clay on the outside to create a small channel under the spout. The producer fills the channel with water to stop ants getting into the honey.

Kouroupi. A small jar of 20-40 litres capacity, usually glazed on the inside. Used for storing olives, cheese, salt meat, pickles etc.

Kouroupa. Similar to the above, it also has two large handles for transport.

Leaded kouroupi. Imported vessel of 5-40 litres capacity, from the pottery centres of Attica.

Mesopitharo. A short pithos with a wide mouth for storing goods such as wheat, barley and legumes.

Brika. Large 30-40 litre jar for raki. It has a reinforced spout and 3 single or 2 double handles.

Lid. A clay storage jar lid with a central handle. Lids often bear the maker’s monogram.

Dipseli with handles. A cylindrical vessel for preserving small cheeses, used in eastern Crete. It has a base and two handles on the rim.