Description:

Magna Graecia, South Italy, Apulia, ca. 4th century BCE. A black glazed pottery guttus with an elegant fluted body, a high ring handle, a central spout with a tiered rim, and in relief on the top a medallion featuring Thetis or a Nereid and a hippocamp (a prancing horse with a fish tail). The Nereids were sea nymphs oftentimes depicted riding dolphins or aquatic snakes known as ketoi. A wonderful example, replete with impressive artistry and intriguing iconography. Size: 4.5" W x 3.2" H (11.4 cm x 8.1 cm)

A guttus was a vessel used to store precious oil to fill oil lamps. The name guttus implies that the oil was to be released drop by drop. This was made possible by the tiered, moled rim and the elongated spout which prevented air from entering easily.

See another Apulian guttus featuring similar iconography at the British Museum (accession number 1836,0224.392).

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#156920

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to foot, body, handle, and relief details, with light fading to glazing in some areas, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout, and nice preservation of relief details.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 22, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000