Magna Graecia, southeastern Italy, Apulia, ca. 340 to 325 BCE. Two attractive Xenon ware mugs with bulbous bodies, short cylindrical necks, flared rims, the larger with a bifurcated handle comprised of two coils, the smaller with a single strap handle. Though different sizes, their painted decorative programs match beautifully, with frets adorning the shoulders and a bold berried laurel vine adorning the primary register below. Just lovely! Size: larger mug 4.875" W x 4.75" H (12.4 cm x 12.1 cm); smaller mug 3.75" W x 3.375" H (9.5 cm x 8.6 cm)

Xenon ware is a specific type of Apulian pottery, named after a vase in Frankfurt (Beazley, EVP, p. 219,1.) that is inscribed with the name: XENON. The type is distinguished by added matt red decoration over black glaze. These are wonderful examples, both with an attractive nature-inspired pattern and lovely iridescence to the black ground.

Provenance: private Carlton collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired between 1965 and 1980

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#127811

Both with expected surface wear and slight pigment losses. Chip to rim of smaller mug. Old inventory labels on bases.