Magna Graecia, Apulia, Canosan Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd century BCE. A pair of brilliantly blue trefoil-lipped oinochoai (the plural of oinochoe). They are of identical form, with delicate handles, thin, flower-like mouths, and perfectly-proportioned bodies with rounded shoulders that flow down to narrow disc feet. Everything about these pieces speaks of elegance and attention to detail with an almost modern geometric sensibility. Size of one: 2.9" W x 4.05" H (7.4 cm x 10.3 cm)
Canosa, or Canosion as it was known then, was a major center of the ceramics and pottery trade when it was a Greek polis. It produced truly unique pottery, completely different in decoration style (although not in shape) from earlier and neighboring traditions. The clay is buff, with the decoration applied directly to it without the use of slip. The entire body was covered with white slip, with a second ground of blue color applied over the background. The blue color of the vessels is known as Egyptian blue, a famous ancient pigment made from calcium copper tetrasilicate, believed to be the first synthetic pigment.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#135008
Condition
Both have small chips and nicks but are unrepaired. Wear to pigment with light deposits, mainly around the shoulder and on the handles as shown. Both have been drilled in modern times on the undersides of their feet for TL testing. One has had its underside fully drilled through, leaving a large, round perforation on the center of the foot.