Magna Graecia, South Italic Colonies, Apulia, Ignazia, Gnathian, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. A fabulous example of a wheel-thrown pottery pouring vessel known as an oinochoe. The vessel exhibits a spool-form foot beneath the piriform body, a corseted neck, a 'beaked' spout flanked by a pair of lion head protrusions, and a slender handle arching high over the top and down to the midsection, all enrobed in lustrous, jet-black glaze. Embellishing the neck and upper body are rows of fugitive pigment in white, yellow, and red that show a row of tongues, a slender zigzag between pairs of incised lines, a strip of petite white dots, white meander patterns between 2 thick red bands, and a band of grapevine motifs. Size: 3.2" W x 7.9" H (8.1 cm x 20.1 cm)
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, and/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.
Provenance: private Wabasha, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#171791
Condition
Professional repair and restoration to upper curve of handle. Minor abrasions and fading to fugitive pigment, with small nicks to black glaze, and scattered areas of touch-up painting, otherwise in excellent condition. Great preservation to fugitive pigment throughout. Old inventory label beneath foot.