Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Apulian, ca. 340 to 325 BCE. A huge Apulian amphora with a beautifully ribbed body, a gently curved neck presenting (on Side A) a red-figure scene featuring a Satyr striding left toward a petite Maenad with a winged Nike carrying an ivy victory wreath - all flanked by flourishing grapevines and on the opposite side (Side B) - additional grapevines (possibly laurel leaf vines), rising to a tiered rim adorned by a band of ovalo, twin substantive Herakles (Heracles or Hercules) knot handles with petite maskettes at each terminal of the upper ends. Size: 20.5" W handlespan x 19.125" H (52.1 cm x 48.6 cm)

According to the British Museum, "The marriage-knot or knot of Hercules, a strong knot created by two intertwined ropes, originated as a healing charm in ancient Egypt, but is best known for its use in ancient Greece and Rome as a protective amulet, most notably as a wedding symbol. The symbolism of the knot survived well beyond its religious use, and was a common symbol in medieval and Renaissance love tokens." In addition, according to Roman historian Pliny, the Herakles knot had the ability to cure wounds.

Published by La Reine Margot in 2006 for a special exhibition with a theme revolving around wine!

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-La Reine Margot, a third generation antiquities dealer in Paris, France; Published by La Reine Margot in 2006 for a special exhibition with a theme revolving around wine!

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#139372

Expected surface wear with a few minor spalls and some pigment losses to the rim and decorative/iconographic programs on the neck as shown. Minor crazing to the black glaze. Remarkably intact.