Magna Graecia, South Italic Colonies, Apulia, Xenon Ware, ca. 340 to 325 BCE. Three wonderful wheel-thrown miniature kantharoi with hand painted designs - chevrons, wave, zigzag, linear, dotted motifs - in pink-orange hues characteristic of Xenon Ware - over a rich, lustrous black glaze. The vessels are defined by a squat ringed foot, cup-shaped bodies with flared rims, and twin applied strap handles. Brilliant areas of silvery iridescence complement the jet-black glaze. Size of largest (w/ meander motif): 2.25" W x 1.7" H (5.7 cm x 4.3 cm)
Xenon ware is a specific type of Apulian pottery, named after a vase in Frankfurt (Beazley, EVP, p. 219,1.) that is inscribed with the name: XENON. The type is distinguished by added pale orange/pink decoration over black glaze. Cf. similar example in Margaret Mayo, "The Art of South Italy Vases from Magna Graecia" (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 1982) where they are described as probable children’s toys.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex D.K. New York, USA collection, acquired in 2000s
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#155732
Condition
Restoration to one handle of smaller vessel with remaining pigment, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. All items have minor abrasions to feet, handles, rims, and bodies, with fading to original pigmentation, and light encrustations. Nice remains of original pigment and light earthen deposits throughout.