Magna Graecia, southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. An elegant kantharos (wine cup) boasting a pair of sweeping high handles with support struts, thumb spurs, and molded maskettes at the interior join to the rim and exterior join to the base. The flared cup's body sits upon a tall stem with a tiered foot. Each face of the exterior walls is beautifully adorned with a red-figure Lady of Fashion portrait wearing a saccos (head scarf) with pearl strands and hair pins, a drop earring, and a pearl necklace - all detailed with fugitive white and yellow-orange paint. A row of cresting waves adorns the exterior of the rim while a lustrous, black glaze envelops the interior, handles, stem, and foot. Size: 7" in diameter x 7.4" H (17.8 cm x 18.8 cm)
A kantharos (also cantharus) is an ancient cup form used for drinking/holding wine, possibly for rituals or ceremonial offerings; its shape most likely derived from a metalwork form. This piece is an iconic example of what is known as Type A - characterized by a deep bowl, a tall pedestal foot, and a beautiful pair of highly swung handles extending far above the lip of the vessel. Scholars believe that the kantharos was also an attribute of Dionysos, the god of wine who was also associated with fertility. Hence, in addition to being used during festive banquets, such vessels may have been used in ceremonial rituals to symbolize rebirth.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Parthenon Gallery, London, England; ex private T.G. collection, Williston, Florida, USA, acquired in 2000
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#167985
Condition
Collection label and collection number on base. Repaired from several pieces with restoration. Break lines visible in some areas. A few minor nicks, light abrasions, and chipping to paint. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.