Magna Graecia, Apulian, 4th century BCE. South Italian fish plates, so-called because of the lively aquatic scenes that adorn them, were extremely popular in the 4th century BCE. The form of this plate is characteristic of this type: a slightly concave plate with a central depression with a rounded, disc-shaped foot, and a turned down rim with a decorative wave motif around the edge of the plate. This vase is decorated with six marine creatures, three large fish - a bream and two torpedoes - all swimming to the left, and three small mollusks. Size: 7.6" W x 2.7" H (19.2 cm x 6.9 cm)
The original use of fish plates is still a matter of debate. Some have argued that the aquatic imagery suggests that these plates originally were intended as a serving platter for fish, its central impression used to hold an accompanying fish sauce or served to catch liquid draining from the dish.
Accompanied with Art Loss Register document (16 April 2012 - reference number S00060141) & Export license: B2/03254/97.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex-European private collection; American private collection, 2008; Accompanied with Art Loss Register document (16 April 2012 - reference number S00060141). Export license: B2/03254/97.
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#153135
Condition
Professionally repaired from about a half dozen pieces. Slip shows areas of craquelure. Sea creature imagery and wave motif around the perimeter are vivid.