Magna Graecia, probably Apulia, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A wonderful wheel-formed and hand-modeled terracotta rhyton in the form of a bull head, replete with life-like features on the eyes, snout, horns and forehead as well as the raised ears and forelock. Remains of white and black pigment are visible underneath the deposits of time. A handle is attached on the underside although a vessel like this was meant to be used until the drink is completely consumed. Size: 8.25" L x 3.625" W (21 cm x 9.2 cm)

Zoomorphic forms like this one were popular throughout the Classical world. For example, a Phrygian horse rhyton found at Gordion attests to Achaemenid influence from Persia. Rhytons like this example demonstrate the ancients' refined taste for special tableware, and this piece was probably used both as a drinking cup and as a pouring vessel to decant wine into drinking bowls during festive banquets.

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.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection, acquired at Skinner Auctions, Marlboro, Massachusetts; ex-Massachusetts collection, USA, acquired before 2000

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.

#171198

Chip to rim, one ear and one horn reattached, else quite fine. Small TL hole in chin and rim.