Magna Graecia, southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. An elegant kantharos (wine cup) boasting a pair of sweeping high handles with support struts, and thumb spurs. The flared cup's body sits upon a tall stem with a tiered foot. Each face of the exterior walls is beautifully adorned with a red-figure Lady of Fashion portrait wearing a saccos (head scarf) with pearl strands and hair pins, a drop earring, and a pearl necklace - all detailed with fugitive white and yellow-orange paint. A lustrous, black glaze envelops the interior, handles, stem, and foot. Size: 6.2" Diameter x 6.9" H (15.7 cm x 17.5 cm)

A kantharos (also cantharus) is an ancient cup form used for drinking/holding wine, possibly for rituals or ceremonial offerings; its shape most likely derived from a metalwork form. This piece is an iconic example of what is known as Type A - characterized by a deep bowl, a tall pedestal foot, and a beautiful pair of highly swung handles extending far above the lip of the vessel. Scholars believe that the kantharos was also an attribute of Dionysos, the god of wine who was also associated with fertility. Hence, in addition to being used during festive banquets, such vessels may have been used in ceremonial rituals to symbolize rebirth.

Provenance: private Wabasha, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#171841

Some stable hairline fissures to handles, interior, and foot. Expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and very nice with impressive remaining pigments and detail. Great encrustations throughout. Collection label on underside of base.