Massive Etruscan Pottery Pithos - TL Tested

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Fine Antiquities | Ethnographica | Fine Art

By Artemis Gallery

May 19, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-05-19 10:00:00 2022-05-19 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities | Ethnographica | Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-ethnographica-fine-art-9350
Featuring a very special collection of Fine Art from the Hollywood Hills, including Picasso & Rookwood ceramics! Also included are many fine examples of classical antiquities, ancient, and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Classical World, Etruria (Central Italy), ca. 600 to 500 BCE. A massive terracotta storage vessel called a pithos with a tall, elongated body decorated with relief and incised motifs. The vessel rests on a flat base with the thick walls swelling outward to a short neck and flared rim. The exterior decorations include a register of zigzagging lines near the base, a fluted body, and a register of riders with a bird perched on a horse's rump on the shoulder. The hollow interior could accommodate the storage of olive oil, wine, or grain. Many pithoi were made to be stored in a subterranean situation, dug into the ground, and thus did not have to stand on their own; however, this one was clearly made to stand alone, based on its flat foot and the fact that its decorations cover its entire body. Beautifully decorated pithoi such as this example were intended for use in a home or business, while plain vessels for transportation were kept in warehouses and usually had lugs or handles. These pleasing designs suggest that this was not just a utilitarian pithos but also a work of art! Size: 20" Diameter x 35" H (50.8 cm x 88.9 cm)
  
  For a similar example please see The Getty Museum website accession number: 71.AE.287
  
  This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.
  
  This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
  
  Provenance: East Coast, USA collection, from a major New York Gallery acquired prior to 2010
  
  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.
  
  #159568

  Condition

  Repaired from dozens of pieces with restoration and infill. Restoration with terracotta and adhesive visible on interior. Visible and stable fissures and break lines on interior. Surface abrasions, losses, and chips to exterior and base. One TL hole on underside of rim, and second TL hole on fluted ridge near base. Base is stable. Massive size and nice preservation of motifs.
• Shipping Info

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