Lot 20E
Classical World, Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Campania, Gnathian Teano Ware, ca. 340 to 320 BCE. A finely made ceramic bottle feeder for an infant, with a round handle from the shoulder, a pronounced foot, and a nipple-like protrusion from the side at a 90 degree angle to the handle. The object is painted overall (except the base) with a black-red slip and has an impressed floral design around the top. Although wet nursing was the alternative feeding method of choice for infants in the past, artificial feeding devices are also known. These came in all shapes and sizes, with this being quite an elegant example of form and function. Initially, archaeologists believed that objects like these were used for filling oil lamps, but residue analysis found casein from animal's milk in them. Unfortunately, pottery feeders were difficult to clean, leading to bacterial build up and studies on skeletal remains suggest that up to one third of infants given animal's milk died. Size: 3.75" L x 4.1" W x 2.25" H (9.5 cm x 10.4 cm x 5.7 cm)
Provenance: Ex - Prominent LA County collector who acquired these prior to 2000, Ex Bonhams
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#116381
- Condition: Intact, with very clear artwork and light wear to paint.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $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 |