Greece, Hellenistic Period, ca. late 4th to 3rd century BCE. A charming ceramic basin or phiale, a special libation bowl used for holding wine, with a rounded, raised boss, known as an omphalos, in the center. The omphalos is thought to have symbolized the navel of the earth, the central point of power that all things revolved around. The lower part of the bowl is scalloped/fluted, above which is a corseted neck that flares outward into a wide, smooth mouth with a rolled rim. Overall, the bowl seems to have been painted a rich, earthy red, with much of that original pigment remaining today. Libation bowls, known as phiale, were used across a wide geographical area - from Greece to Tibet, throughout the ancient Near East and Central Asia. These shallow bowls for holding wine in ritual and ceremonial settings were made from many materials - glass, ceramic, and many kinds of metal. Ceramic ones are relatively rare compared to bronze ones as they were more likely to break in the thousands of years since they were made! Size: 7.05" W x 1.2" H (17.9 cm x 3 cm)
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#147902
Condition
Repaired at center from two pieces. This repair is well done and generally unobtrusive, with overpainting along the repair line. Some of the original pigment remains. Light deposits on surface. Great preservation of form.