**First Time At Auction**

Magna Graecia, southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 360 to 325 BCE. A magnificent pottery skyphos finely hand-painted in intricate decoration of fugitive pigments featuring the central image of a lady's head in profile surrounded by scrolling motifs and Dionysian imagery of vine and ivy designs. Facing left, the elegant female presents a regal visage bejeweled by earrings and a necklace and framed by an extravagant coiffure of coiled tresses pulled back by an ornamented hair net of several decorated registers. A series of elaborate patterns further adorn the area below the rim, consisting of tongued, zigzag, wave-like, and meander designs. Additional dotted and vegetal motifs embellish the verso. These lush garlands mimic the way actual garlands would have been suspended during a symposium; a drinking party at which this deep vessel would have been used for wine consumption. Note how the applied yellow pigment evokes gilded decoration. Size: 17.5" W x 13" H (44.4 cm x 33 cm)

Flanked by sweeping handles, this opulent example demonstrates the skillful technique, the artistic virtuoso, and the refined polychromatic effect characteristic of ancient Gnathia.

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, and/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.

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.

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Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private West Hollywood, California, USA collection acquired at auction; ex-private Spanish collection around 1980

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#176621

Professionally repaired with restoration to handle and base, as well as over break lines. Some minor nicks, commensurate with age, but otherwise in excellent condition with impressive preservation of detail. TL holes beneath handle and rim.