Lot 18
Ancient Greece, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd century BCE. A fabulous pair of Hellenistic bowls of elegant forms coated in a lustrous black glaze and adorned with mold-made relief details. Larger in scale, the first presents a round base supported by three feet and remarkably thin walls that gradually widen to a broad, circular rim over a deep basin. Each of the delicately molded feet displays the form of a Greek comedy theatre mask with a huge, almost hyperbolic smile, a bulbous nose, annular eyes, and a furrowed brow. Alternatively, the second showcases an expansive, circular rim atop slender walls that dramatically taper to a rounded base upon a discoid, tiered foot. The interior of this ancient vessel is elaborately decorated with three incised bands adorning the rim and another pair of incised rings enveloping a single horizontal register of repeated ovals. Size of largest: 7.25" in diameter x 5" H (18.4 cm x 12.7 cm)
A beautifully formed mold-made relief of a bust peers out from the center of the basin, encompassed by another series of incised loops with a central geometric motif. The youthful visage looks to his or her left flaunting a full-lipped mouth, a flat nose, and sullen eyes under a luscious head of curls. The black-glaze has a mirror-like iridescence that rivals luxury vessels made of gold and silver. As the wine was consumed, a banqueteer would have enjoyed the image of the benevolent god gradually coming into view.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private collection, acquired in 1999
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.
#162425
- Condition: Collection label on base of both. Both have been expertly repaired from several pieces with paint over break lines. Some minor softening of details on relief details and a few light chips and nicks to rims of both, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, 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 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |