Description:

Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 4th to 3rd centuries BCE. This is a collection of four spindle-shaped fusiform unguentaria from a transformative time in eastern Mediterranean history. Each has a rounded, biconical body with a tapering base descending to a slightly flared foot and a pronounced rim. These were sculpted on a wheel and then fired. Unguentaria were used to contain perfumed oils and were used throughout the Hellenistic period in many contexts. Vessels like these four would probably have been placed in tombs, as grave goods, lying on their sides. They would have been stoppered with material that would not have remained preserved. This style of unguentaria first appeared in Cyrpus around the end of the 4th century and ultimately replaced the lekythos functionally. These four together represent a nice range of sizes, colors, and patinas. Size of largest: 11"H x 2-1/2" in diameter (28 cm x 6.4 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private Bates Collection, Clarksville, IA, ex-Joel Malter Collection, acquired before 1990

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#110700

  • Condition: All have chips and patina; one has been broken across the neck and repaired but all others are intact.

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November 19, 2015 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000