Magna Graecia, South Italy, probably Gnathian, ca. 325 BCE. An opulent pottery lekythos boasting a refined silhouette with an ovoid body, a sloped shoulder, an attenuated neck, and a collared rim, all sitting upon a discoid base as an arched handle attaches neck to shoulder edge. The sophisticated vessel is adorned with black and white applied pigments that nicely contrast the red terracotta ground, forming a complex decorative program comprised of a fine-line netted pattern that envelops the body and flanked above and below by a horizontal band of crested wave motif. Additional ornamentation beautifies the shoulder, featuring a register of palmettes, a row of repeated, curved lines, and a series of vertical striations that travel up the neck. A lustrous black glaze covers the top half of the neck, the rim, the handle, the bottom of the vessel, and the edge of the foot. Size: 4" Diameter x 8.6" H (10.2 cm x 21.8 cm)

This piece was most likely used for storing olive oil; however, beyond this utilitarian aspect, it has an attractive narrow body and finely painted decorative program, the net motif perhaps referencing sea waters, all amounting to quite a seductive example.

Provenance: private Wabasha, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 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.

#171821

Minor stable fissure on rim. A few nicks and abrasions, as well as repainting in areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive remaining pigments and detail.