Italy, Etruscan culture, ca. 768 to 264 BCE. A ceramic kantharos, a deep vessel with distinctive high handles. This example has a flanged border between the body and the foot, which joins with the base of the handle and on the exterior has a raised border. The rim is smooth, and the upper end of each handle flows seamlessly into the body of the vessel. The kantharos form can be traced as far back as the 8th century BCE, and in later times kantharoi featured prominently as subjects on black- and red-figure vases, often carried by Dionysus or Herakles. Bucchero is a specifically Etruscan technique for firing pottery which results in a smooth, shiny black finish. This type of vessel may have been only to be buried with offerings, as was the case for much fine Etruscan pottery. Size: 6.8" W x 4.75" H (17.3 cm x 12.1 cm).

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#127844

Surface wear commensurate with age, repairs to both handles, losses and pitting to body, foot, handles, and rim, stable hairline fissure along the shoulder, with lovely mineral deposits.