Lot 57
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A stunning glazed ceramic chalice with three rows of staggered pinecone scales (the pinecone motif perhaps referencing the cult of Dionysos, as the god of wine carried a staff or thyrsus topped by a pine cone), twin sinuous ribbed handles mimicking glass trailing, the exterior glazed in hues of spring green, the interior with golden yellow. For centuries, Greco-Roman pottery was decorated via the black-figure and red-figure techniques; however, in the second half of the first century BCE, the Romans created this interesting variation - covering vessels with vitreous glazes that made for a beautiful glossy colors like the stunning greens and yellows gracing this piece. Size: 4.625" W handlespan x 3.625" H (11.7 cm x 9.2 cm)
According to an article published in the journal of the Princeton University Art Museum, "When Cicero was travelling in the east in 50 B.C., his friend Atticus asked him to order 'Rhosica vasa,' presumably vases made in the town of Rhosus on the modern Gulf of Alexandretta, and presumably vases of unusual ceramic interest. Cicero expressed surprise, as we know from one of his letters, since Atticus, like the well-to-do of his day, ate off metal dishes, but apparently he complied with his friend's request." ("A Lead-Glazed Cup", F.F.J. Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University Vol. 20, No. 2 (1961), pp. 57-59.)
A similar example was listed on Royal Athena Galleries for $9,500 (http://www.royalathena.com/PAGES/RomanCatalog/Mosaics/CNH102JE.html).
For further reading about this glazed ceramic technique, read "A Lead-Glazed Cup", F.F.J. Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University Vol. 20, No. 2 (1961), pp. 57-59.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#132481
- Condition: Repaired from multiple pieces with some repainting affecting the lower third of the cup. Restoration less than 5%. Areas of the glaze have attained stunning silvery and rainbow iridescence.
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| 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 |