The painted decoration shows an #octopus, swimming in an abstract seascape. The jar comes from the #Minoan palace at Knossos, on the island of Crete, and was created in the 15th century BCE., would have been used for storing agricultural produce such as olive oil or wine.

Compared to the earlier, more naturalistic depictions of octopuses in Minoan art, this octopus is rather stylized, notably in the number of arms. Despite the less realistic approach, the animal's open eyes and curling limbs bring it to life. The jar seems to indicate the importance of the sea to the palace, either because of the marine products used by the people who lived there, or due to the significant impact of overseas trade on their daily lives. See it on display in Gallery 20 on Level G. Knossos storage jar, 1450-1400 BCE. Ceramic, 75 x 54 cm. AN1911.608 Ashmolean Museum Collection