Magna Graecia, southern Italy, near present day Ignazia, Gnathian, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. An attractive blackware pottery pitcher with a trefoil spout decorated via the Gnathian technique with fugitive red, white, and yellow pigments. The area opposite the handle boasts an elaborate grapevine pattern around part of the body, capped by several more decorative bands of spiral, dotted, and tongue motifs. Contributing further to its beautiful decorative program is the silvery iridescence that the black glaze has attained over the ages. A stunning example! Size: 5.9" Diameter x 10" H (15 cm x 25.4 cm)
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, 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.
Provenance: private Wabasha, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000
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#171818
Condition
A few minor chips to foot. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Possible areas of re-painting. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive remaining pigment and details. Nice encrustations to interior.