Ancient Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. 475 to 450 BCE. A red-figure pottery skyphos or glaux type - also classified as Type B in the Beazley Archive - presenting a deep cup with a low flanged base, and, most interestingly, 1 vertical and 1 horizontal handle. On each side, the vase painter depicted an owl standing between 2 sprays of olive leaves. This type of skyphos was extremely popular for several centuries, initially exported from Athens throughout the Magna Graecia. A special example created for drinking wine - perfect for any oenophile who appreciates Greek art and mythology! Size: 6.125" in diameter x 3.25" H (15.6 cm x 8.3 cm)
The owl is a symbol of Athena and was often shown accompanying her during the Classical period; Athena, of course, was the goddess of the city of Athens, and so the owl became a symbol of Athens and its government. The olive tree, as well, relates to Athens. Athena and Poseidon were said to have quarreled over the city of Athens and Athena planted an olive tree on the Acropolis to show that it belonged to her. Herodotus records that, although the Persians burned all of the Acropolis, the remains of the olive tree sprouted a new branch the very next day. The Athenian imagery present on this piece reminds us of the power of Greek cultural symbols in the ancient world.
Provenance: private J. P. collection, Rye, Colorado, USA; ex-Bill Buffinger collection, Hollywood, California, USA, acquired August 17, 1969; ex-Hesperia Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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#166163
Condition
Repaired from a few large pieces with restoration and repainting over break lines. A few minor nicks and abrasions in some small areas. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.