Lot 50
Ancient Art. Magna Graecia, southern Italy, Apulia, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. An elegant kantharos (wine cup) with sweeping high handles, the flared cup's body on a high stem with a tiered foot. Each face of the exterior walls is adorned with a beautiful Lady of Fashion portrait wearing a saccos (head scarf) with pearl strands and hair pins, a drop earring, and a pearl necklace - all delineated in red-figure with added/fugitive white and yellow-orange paint. Size: 7.375" W handlespan x 7.875" H (18.7 cm x 20 cm)
A kantharos (also cantharus) is an ancient cup form used for drinking/holding wine, possibly for rituals or ceremonial offerings; its shape most likely derived from a metalwork form. This piece is an iconic example of what is known as Type A - characterized by a deep bowl, a tall pedestal foot, and a beautiful pair of highly swung handles extending far above the lip of the vessel. Scholars believe that the kantharos was also an attribute of Dionysos, the god of wine who was also associated with fertility. Hence, in addition to being used during festive banquets, such vessels may have been used in ceremonial rituals to symbolize rebirth.
Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000, ex Arte Primitivo
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.
#126257
- Condition: Minor surface wear with two small chips to one handle, nicks to the underside of the base, rim, and interior, and tiny scuffs here and there. Upper section of lower applied thumb rest on handle reattached and repainted. Areas of craquelure and a few small losses to the glaze.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
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
| 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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |