Greek, possibly Ptolemaic 3rd cent. B.C..Clay. H. 41.2 cmElegantly shaped, richly decorated hydria. The elongated, ovoid body is divided into three sections. Above the foot, acanthus leaves in relief with alternately added white paint and black glaze; traces of red and pink paint. In the centre, a geometric pattern in white. At the top, a frieze of vertical ribs. On the sides, two horizontal handles that curve upwards. A wavy line in added white on the shoulder. Long, slender neck with a raised ring in the centre. Everted mouth. Broad handle with central ridge and rotellae at the transition to the mouth. Parallels are known from Alexandria. Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv. no. 90.9.63. Spout, handle and foot restored.Formerly priv. coll. Prof. A., Basel, acquired April 1970. Thence by descent in the family.