**Originally Listed At $1500**
Magna Graecia, South Italic Colonies, near present-day Ignazia, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. An impressively rare example of a Gnathian pottery bowl presenting tall walls that rise over a relief head - likely of Dionysus the Greek god of wine - in the central basin, all supported by 3 petite, seashell-shaped feet. Framed by a crown of luscious locks and perhaps an ivy wreath, the deity's youthful visage is displayed in three-quarters position, boasting recessed eyes, round cheeks, and a slender nose. Dionysus - Roman Bacchus - was an appropriately frequent subject for drinking vessels. Just think of the pleasure that as you sip the deity of your beverage is slowly revealed! A truly special example from Magna Graecia! Size: 4" Diameter x 2.5" H (10.2 cm x 6.4 cm)
The interior medallion in high relief and hemispherical profile of this terracotta bowl are derived from metallic prototypes. Clay vessels with these features were meant to resemble these luxury items and began to be produced in the Hellenistic period in a variety of regions, such as Southern Italy, Asia Minor, and mainland Greece. The rich black glaze and red and white applied pigments of this example, however, identifies it as specifically Gnathian.
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.
A bowl with a similar form, feet, and painting style can be found at the Princeton University Art Museum under object number 1997-470. Another comparable example with the medallion of a bust at the center is located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number 17.194.2079.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.
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Provenance: private Chicopee, Massachusetts, USA collection; ex-East Coast, USA collection, acquired before 2002
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#176696
Condition
Chips, nicks, and abrasions commensurate with age, as shown. Small stable hairline fissure extending down from rim on one side and loss of relief detail on face. Otherwise, good condition and intact with nice remaining pigments. TL holes to underside of base and exterior of rim.