Campanian Red-Figure Fish Plate, ex-Sotheby's

Magna Graecia, Campanian, Attributed to the Heligoland Painter, ca. 350 to 330 BCE. A wonderful Campanian red-figure fish plate with a torpedo. South Italian fish plates, so-called because of the lively aquatic scenes that adorn them, were extremely popular in the 4th century BCE. The form of our plate is typical for such vases: a slightly concave plate with a central depression with a rounded, disc-shaped foot, and a turned down rim with a decorative wave motif around the edge of the plate. This vase is decorated with three marine creatures, two Mediterranean fish and a torpedo, all of which swim to the left. Size: 7.25" in diameter x 1.625" H (18.4 cm x 4.1 cm)

The original use of fish plates is still a matter of debate. Some have argued that the aquatic imagery suggests that these plates originally were intended as a serving platter for fish, its central impression used to hold an accompanying fish sauce or served to catch liquid draining from the dish.

Accompanied by Art Loss Register document (reference number: S00026218).

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex private Japanese collection, acquired in London in 1982; ex Sotheby's New York, June 2008, Lot 91; Export license: B2/03254/97; Art Loss Register document (reference number: S00026218).

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#153132 Dimensions: Condition Report: Repairs to rim. Expected surface wear with scuffs commensurate with age. Sea creature imagery and wave motif around the perimeter are vivid. A beautiful example!