Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Gnathian, ca 340 to 320 BCE. A petite drinking vessel of a type known as a thistle cup (as it resembles a thistle shape) with a ribbed piriform body leading to a narrow tubular neck and a flared rim, a bifurcated looped handle on the shoulder - the glossy black glaze embellished with a decorative yellow band with repeating frets above and below and a central crossed circular motif - and below this a red band at the juncture between the ribbed body and shoulder. All is supported by a pronounced, concave foot. While larger examples were probably made to pour wine; this one was more likely intended as funerary ware to be filled with libations to provide for the deceased in the afterlife. Size: 3.5" in diameter x 4.375" H (8.9 cm x 11.1 cm)

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 most likely was 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 Italian aesthetic.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, acquired at Artemis Gallery; ex-private Orange County, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#140512

Repair, restoration, and repainting to the handle. Expected scuffs and nicks here and there commensurate with age. Painted decoration is still strong. Black glaze has attained a marvelous silvery iridescence.