Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Apulia, near present-day Ignazia, Gnathian, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. A stunning and quite sizable blackware hydria, decorated in the Gnathian technique with fugitive white and yellow-orange pigment atop lustrous black glaze. The ancient vessel presents an apple-form body with a gently slanted shoulder that rises to a narrow neck, and a wide, flared rim that curves downwards at the outer edge, all sitting upon a discoid, pedestal foot. A lovely pattern of tongue motifs adorns the outer edge of the rim, while the neck is embellished by a painted white pearl necklace. Size: 7.1" in diameter x 12.7" H (18 cm x 32.3 cm)

Hydrias, as their name implies, were used for carrying large quantities of water; the two horizontal handles on either side of the body were used for lifting and transporting the vessel, while the third, vertical handle, located between the other two handles and joining neck to shoulder, was used when pouring water.

Gnathia ware is named for the site where it was first discovered - the Apulian site of Egnathia. The black glaze ware is traditionally decorated with floral motifs in red, white, or yellow hues. Scholars believe that its production was most likely centered around Taras, with primary workshops in Egnathia and Canosa. The quantity and quality of Greek colonial Apulian potters increased significantly following the Peloponnesian War when Attic exports dramatically decreased. Apulian artistry demonstrates influences of Ionian (Athenian, Attic) conventions, as well as Doric (western colonial Greek) styles, with a palpable native Italic aesthetic.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private T.G. collection, Williston, Florida, USA, acquired in 2000

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#168070

Repair to foot with break lines visible. Chips to rim and handles. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining details and lustrous iridescence in areas. Scattered earthen deposits throughout.