Object Description
A fine ancient Greek epichysis, originating from the south Italian region of Apulia. The vessel features a characteristic, spool-shaped body with domed shoulders leading to a slender neck and a narrow, steeply angled spout. A tall handle rises above the spout in an elegant curve, before bending back down to join the shoulder. A protruding, moulded, stylised lion head terminal has been placed at the point of separation between the handle and the pouring spout on either side, to further enrich the composition on each side. The vessel is decorated with various patterns and motifs. The domed shoulder is the focal point, and is decorated with a stylised laurel-wreath pattern, with alternating white and ochre leaves and a burgundy stalk. White, dotted rays also dissect each leaf spray. In the centre is a large white rosette, with a yellow ochre disc in its centre. Other geometric motifs border the shoulders, with a band of white ovules decorating the flanged lip and linear lines distributed around the neck. A reserved band marks the joining of the vessel’s body to its base, allowing the vivid orange of the terracotta to shine. The slightly concave body is encircled by a meander pattern, once decorated with ochre paint, flanked by two horizontal white lines. Another unglazed band sits just above the base.
Date: Circa 4th – 3rd century BC