Magna Graecia, Gnathia, ca. 4th century CE. A stunning and quite sizeable Gnathian bell krater, replete with an elegant form, a beautiful decorative program in red, yellow, and white fugitive pigments against the glossy black ground, and twin lion-headed handles that boast finely delineated sculptural forms. Aside from the bands of red clay color that encircle the rim, foot, and base, the entire vessel is lavishly enveloped in black glaze. The decorative program is comprised of an upper register featuring a band of egg and dart variant followed by a running zigzag motif, followed by a dotted band - with incised double lines between each band. Beneath this is a stunning grapevine motif, with fruit clusters and tendrils extending above and below a red band and flowing down at either side. Finally, an intriguing oblong mark delineated in red, white, and yellow fugitive pigment rests at the lower center. On the opposite side is a simple white berried vine. Size: 15" in diameter x 11.875" H (38.1 cm x 30.2 cm)
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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#149634
Condition
Repaired from multiple pieces with restoration over the break lines. A few small areas of loss near break lines on rim and a few areas of fill visible to some break lines. Pigment delineating the decorative program is still strong with possible areas of touch up, but if so, these are difficult to discern.