Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A stunning glazed ceramic cup with convex walls adorned by eleven rows of staggered pinecone scales (the pinecone motif perhaps referencing the cult of Dionysos, as the god of wine carried a staff or thyrsus topped by a pine cone), the exterior and interior glazed in hues of golden yellow, a collared mouth with the glaze adorning it presenting green as well as golden yellow hues, and a slightly flared concave base. For centuries, Greco-Roman pottery was decorated via the black-figure and red-figure techniques; however, in the second half of the first century BCE, the Romans created this interesting variation - covering vessels with vitreous glazes that made for a beautiful glossy colors like the stunning golden hues gracing this piece. Size: 3.125" in diameter x 5.125" H (7.9 cm x 13 cm)
According to an article published in the journal of the Princeton University Art Museum, "When Cicero was travelling in the east in 50 B.C., his friend Atticus asked him to order 'Rhosica vasa,' presumably vases made in the town of Rhosus on the modern Gulf of Alexandretta, and presumably vases of unusual ceramic interest. Cicero expressed surprise, as we know from one of his letters, since Atticus, like the well-to-do of his day, ate off metal dishes, but apparently he complied with his friend's request." ("A Lead-Glazed Cup", F.F.J. Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University Vol. 20, No. 2 (1961), pp. 57-59.)
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Royal-Athena Gallery, New York, USA, inventory number BLR57SE
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#143873
Condition
Minute chips to tips of a few pine cone 'leaves'. One section of the rim possibly repaired with a bit of restoration. Glaze has attained iridescence in some areas. Royal Athena label on underside of the base.