Magna Graecian Apulian Black-Glazed Terracotta Epichysis with Eros

Object Description

A very fine ancient Greek black-glazed terracotta epichysis from the South Italian Apulian region. The vessel presents 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 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. Although very similar, one side seems to depict a human head, the other – a feline head.

The domed shoulder is decorated with a kneeling figure of winged Eros rendered in pale ochre pigment. The god of love and lust is depicted nude, turned to the right and holding up a mirror in his left hand. The rest of the field is filled with curvilinear vegetative motifs. The overhanging lip of the body is decorated with egg-moulding trail. Pale vertical lines embellish the centre of the base of the neck, breaking up at the back where they get obscured by the handle. The reel-shaped part of the body is decorated with a band of laurel in white slip.

Date: Circa 4th century BC

Object History

From the private collection of a Canadian gentleman living in Essex, UK, formed since the 1920s-circa 1990. Property of an Essex lady until the late 1990s; thence by descent. From the private collection of an Essex gentleman since the late 1990s.

Object Condition

Fine condition. The handle has been repaired in two places. Repairs to the body. Some pigment retouched. Chipping to the overhanging ledge of the body. Discolouration and loss of glaze in some places.

Object Details