Guttus decorated with the mask of Silenus. Ancient Greece, Apulia, circa 400-300 BC.
Terracotta.
Good condition.
Provenance: L. Marsh, London 1987; Baptist Cunningham, London 2000; Amok Wiersma, Utrecht 2007; Acquired from the above by Finn Delvaux in 2014, Brussels.
Measurements: 9 cm.
The disc is modelled in relief, probably with a mask of Silenus. In Greek mythology, Silenus was the companion and tutor of the wine god Dionysus. He is usually older than the satyrs in the Dionysian retinue, and sometimes considerably older, in which case he may be called Papposilene.
Guttus were circular, oval-shaped vessels, characterised by a handle at the top and a narrow spout widening at the mouth. These vessels were used for pouring oil at meals, although this highly decorated type would be used at banquets and festivities. The Latin name guttus was used by ancient authors to designate vessels whose contents were poured out drop by drop.