ITEM: Feeder vase with strainer
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek, Hellenistic period
PERIOD: 3rd - 1st Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 68 mm x 67 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Emeritus collection (USA), collected from the 1950’s to the 1980’s by a distinguished university professor who served as Department head, Dean and Vice President of a major university.

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Greek feeder vases, also known as nasi or nasi-krater, are a distinctive type of ceramic vessel used primarily during the Classical and Hellenistic periods (circa 5th to 3rd centuries BCE). These vases were designed to serve as a practical container for holding and dispensing liquids, particularly during communal meals and symposia. Characterized by their wide, shallow bowls and often featuring a broad, flared rim, feeder vases were typically equipped with one or two handles, which facilitated pouring and serving. They were used to hold beverages such as wine, water, or even oil, and were a common sight at both everyday gatherings and ceremonial occasions.

The design and decoration of Greek feeder vases varied, with many adorned with intricate patterns and scenes painted in the black-figure or red-figure techniques, which were prominent in Greek pottery. The black-figure technique, where figures appear in black against a red clay background, and the red-figure technique, where figures are left in red while the background is painted black, were both employed to depict a range of motifs. These motifs could include mythological scenes, athletic competitions, or domestic life, reflecting the cultural values and artistic preferences of the period. The decorative elements not only added aesthetic value but also provided insight into the societal and cultural practices of ancient Greece.

Feeder vases were not just functional but also held social significance. They were often used in symposia, the Greek social gatherings where participants engaged in drinking, discussion, and entertainment. The choice of a feeder vase for such events could signify status and wealth, as more elaborately decorated vases were typically owned by the elite. Additionally, feeder vases are often found in archaeological contexts, including domestic sites and funerary deposits, indicating their widespread use and importance in both daily life and ritual practices.