Description

This catalogue highlights one of the most significant private collections of Cypriot antiquities in the world.

This handsome catalogue accompanies the opening of a new gallery at the Kykkos Monastery Museum, created to house the David Johnson Collection of Cypriot antiquities. Until it's donated to the museum, the David Johnson Collection was among the most significant private collections of Cypriot antiquities in the world.

The Johnson Collection spans some 2,500 years, from the Middle Chalcolithic period to the beginning of the Classical era (c. 480 BC), with a particular strength in Early and Middle Bronze Age material. Comprising mainly pottery, it also includes bronze and stone artifacts, as well as some early coinage. Most pieces originate from tomb contexts and, like much Cypriot material in circulation, were likely removed through illicit excavation. Cyprus remains one of the most heavily looted archaeological landscapes in the world. The repatriation of the Johnson Collection represents a small but meaningful act of restitution - ensuring the collection's integrity while returning it to its cultural home.

With detailed entries and beautiful photography of every object, this catalogue serves as a permanent record of the collection.