Ancient Greece, Mycenaean, Late Helladic III, ca. 1425 to 1100 BCE. A squat wheel-thrown pyxis which rests upon a slightly rounded base adorned with three red-painted concentric rings. The bi-chrome vessel is defined by a bulbous body, a rolled shoulder, a short neck, a flared and rolled rim, and a trio of petite strap handles applied equidistantly around the upper body. Repeating registers of red-orange concentric bands and undulating wave-form motifs decorate the body and neck, with similar hues embellishing the strap handles and rim, all applied atop a buff-tan slip. Size: 3.25" W x 2.625" H (8.3 cm x 6.7 cm).

This period is so named for the palace at Mycenae, famed in Homeric legend as the opulent seat of King Agamemnon. Excavations at the palace at Mycenae revealed an elite and long-lasting society with a great deal of wealth. This extended to the workshops of artisans who produced pottery like this vessel both for use in Greece and throughout the Mediterranean world; shiploads of similar jars went out as far as the Levant and Spain, carrying oil, wine, and other commodities.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#136187

Vessel repaired from multiple large pieces with some areas of restoration, resurfacing, overpainting, and light adhesive residue along break lines. Small areas of restoration to base and rim. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small chips to rim, body, handles, and base, with fading and chipping to areas of applied pigmentation. Light earthen deposits throughout.