Classical World, Etruria (Central Italy), ca. 600 to 500 BCE. A massive terracotta storage vessel called a pithos with a tall, elongated body decorated with relief motifs. The vessel rests on a flat base with thick walls swelling outward to a short neck and flared rim. The hollow interior could accommodate the storage of olive oil, wine, or grain. Many pithoi were made to be stored in a subterranean situation, dug into the ground, and thus did not have to stand on their own; however, this one was clearly made to stand alone, based on its flat foot and the fact that its decorations cover its entire body. Beautifully decorated pithoi such as this example were intended for use in a home or business, while plain vessels for transportation were kept in warehouses and usually had lugs or handles. These pleasing designs suggest that this pithos was built to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Size: 16.5" Diameter x 27.5" H (41.9 cm x 69.8 cm)

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Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#178913

Repaired and restored from many pieces. Restoration with new material to fill gaps and missing pieces and infill in and over break lines and on exterior. Breaks are visible inside of vessel. Some chips and abrasions to surface, raised patterns, and rim. Light mineral deposits on surface.