Massive Gnathian Polychrome Skyphos, TL Tested

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Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art...

By Artemis Gallery

Mar 9, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-03-09 10:00:00 2023-03-09 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-ancient-ethnographic-fine-art-12354
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• Lot Description
  **First Time At Auction**
  
  Magna Graecia, southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 360 to 325 BCE. A magnificent pottery skyphos finely hand-painted in intricate decoration of fugitive pigments featuring the central image of a lady's head in profile surrounded by scrolling motifs and Dionysian imagery of vine and ivy designs. Facing left, the elegant female presents a regal visage bejeweled by earrings and a necklace and framed by an extravagant coiffure of coiled tresses pulled back by an ornamented hair net of several decorated registers. A series of elaborate patterns further adorn the area below the rim, consisting of tongued, zigzag, wave-like, and meander designs. Additional dotted and vegetal motifs embellish the verso. These lush garlands mimic the way actual garlands would have been suspended during a symposium; a drinking party at which this deep vessel would have been used for wine consumption. Note how the applied yellow pigment evokes gilded decoration. Size: 17.5" W x 13" H (44.4 cm x 33 cm)
  
  Flanked by sweeping handles, this opulent example demonstrates the skillful technique, the artistic virtuoso, and the refined polychromatic effect characteristic of ancient Gnathia.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private West Hollywood, California, USA collection acquired at auction; ex-private Spanish collection around 1980
  
  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.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #176621

  Condition

  Professionally repaired with restoration to handle and base, as well as over break lines. Some minor nicks, commensurate with age, but otherwise in excellent condition with impressive preservation of detail. TL holes beneath handle and rim.
• Shipping Info

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