GNATHIAN BLACK-GLAZE POTTERY SKYPHOS

Ca. 300 BC
Skillfully crafted from pottery and adorned with artistic precision, this skyphos showcases the exceptional artistry inherent in Gnathian ceramics. The skyphos itself is characterized by a striking black glaze enveloping its body, with the lower portion left unglazed, culminating in a rounded and flat base. A skyphos is a distinctive type of ancient Greek drinking vessel, primarily utilized for serving wine. Its design consists of a cup-shaped form with two horizontal handles symmetrically affixed to opposite sides. These handles facilitate a comfortable grip, enabling users to hold and manipulate the vessel with ease. In this particular skyphos, the front face stands out with its captivating grapevine motif, intricately painted with white, red, and yellow pigments. The back side, in contrast, features a simpler design comprising a horizontal line flanked by white dots, adding a subtle yet complementary visual element. For a similar, please see The Brooklyn Museum, Accession Number 22.31.
Size: L:80mm / W:120mm ; 110g
Provenance: Property of London Ancient Art gallery, acquired in the Dutch art market.
Estimate: GBP 600 - 900