Magna Graecia, Apulian, ca. 350 to 300 BCE. A lovely black glazed pottery guttus with a fluted body, pedestal foot, funnel spout with rounded molding, and loop handle. A bas-relief on the center medallion shows a tethrippon, four horses in profile with a charioteer. Chariot racing was a sport introduced to the Greek Olympic games in the 7th century BCE that grew in popularity throughout the Mediterranean, and also gained notoriety in the Roman Empire for the extreme prestige the charioteers gained and the intense support of spectators. This Apulian guttus is a fine example of Magna Graecia artistry that showcases their love of beauty and sport. Size: 4.75" W x 3.75" H (12.1 cm x 9.5 cm)

A guttus was a vessel used to store precious oil to fill lamps. The name guttus implies that the oil was to be released drop by drop. This was made possible by the tiered, molded rim and the elongated spout which prevented air from entering too quickly and easily.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, before 2010

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#157824

Minor surface wear and nicks commensurate with age. Small surface stains on medallion and neck as shown. Areas of earthen encrustations. Lovely silvery iridescence and intact!