This is a Late Corinthian vessel, usually referred to as a kothon (although this name may not be the correct ancient Greek name, which refers to a vessel from which one can drink). It is a squat, flat bodied vessel with a rim that is abruptly and deeply turned-in, making it unsuitable for drinking. The exact purpose of this rather strange shape is still debated, as are kothons in general and their usage. Often they are thought to be vessels used to contain cosmetics, oils and perfumes; others have though of them as lamps (with leaning or floating wicks), scent vases, censers, containers of pigments and paints or of soap. The turned-in rim is said to have been created to prevent spillage. For an old but still useful overview of types and theories see the articles by Pernice and by Burrows and Ure quoted below.

Our kothon belongs to class A in the classification given by Burrows and Ure (p. 73-75), which also illustrate parallels in the British Museum London and elsewhere.

The kothon is decorated all around by red and black stripes, part in a honeycomb pattern. It has a strap handle in the shape of a double S.

Date: Late Corinthian, 6th century B.C.

Dimensions: overall length 17.6 cm, outside diameter 15.3 cm, height 5 cm.

Provenance: collection of Siegfried Schmidli, Biel, Switzerland.

Literature: R. M. Burrows - P. N. Ure, "Kothons and Vases of Allied Types", The Journal of Hellenic Studies Volume 31 (1911), p. 72-99; E. Pernice, "Kothon und Räuchergerat", Jahrbuch 14 (1899), p. 60-72.

there is a reserve on this lot

Small chip to one point of the handle, paint slightly worn, otherwise intact.