Object Description
An excellent Greek Apulian oinochoe, enriched with decorative bands of varying patterns. The vessel features a black-glazed bulbous body with a slender neck, and tiered foot. The strap handle, sharply angled at the top, rises above the beaked spout, before bending back down to join the body. Where the the handle meets the spout, two animal heads protrude outwards, depicting lions. The centre of the rounded body is embellished with tiers of painted registers. The widest band displays a sequence of ochre-red and white petals fanning out from a central stylised flower. The trail is framed on top and bottom by thinner bands of egg-and-dart ornament. Another decorative composition is presented in the space above. Bands of wide evenly spaced strokes, vitruvian wave, meander patterns also framed by an egg-and-dart motif adorn the shoulder. Each pattern has been painted with white and orange paint, creating a duo-chrome effect. The foot of the vessel is decorated with a simple black band. The decorative scheme cuts off on both sides before the handle.
Date: Circa 350–300 BC