Description:

Greece, Attic, later Classical period, ca. 400 to 360 BCE. A very fine and quite sizeable bell krater, glazed with a thick, glossy black pigment that has attained a pretty silvery iridescence with age and whose dark surface immediately draws the eye. The vessel presents a characteristically bell-shaped body, upturned looped handles, and a dramatically flared rim, all upon a raised pedestal base. Bell kraters were originally vessels used for mixing water and wine, made for a symposium or by someone aspiring to host one. In ancient Greek society, it was crucial to mix wine with water, as drinking undiluted wine was seen as the actions of a drunkard. The krater soon became a grave offering for elite members of society, especially during the later Attic period. This glossy, solemn example could have been used for either or both. Size: 12.75" W x 11.4" H (32.4 cm x 29 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in December 2011; ex-Harlan J. Berk, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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#149645

  • Condition: Foot and handles have been repaired from multiple pieces, with some light restoration along the break lines. Otherwise in lovely condition, with the bowl well preserved. Small surface chips and nicks commensurate with age.

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March 12, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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