Corinthian Polychrome Trefoil Oinochoe w/ Zoomorphs

Ancient Greece, Corinth, ca. second half of the 6th century BCE. A lovely wheel-thrown, polychrome oinochoe of a sweet and petite form with a characteristically piriform body, a cylindrical neck that rises to an elegant trefoil spout, and a high-arched trifurcated handle joining rim to shoulder, all upon a concave disc foot. The body is intricately decorated with a central register featuring a sphinx, a swan with outspread wings, a leonine creature, and frets adorning the shoulder - all delineated in red and black on a cream ground with the neck, spout, handle, and foot embellished solely with black glaze. The black-figure technique is executed beautifully with details delineated in fugitive red pigment in addition to incised highlights. Size: 3.125" in diameter x 5" H (7.9 cm x 12.7 cm)

In antiquity, Corinth was wealthy and believed to be blessed by the gods, in great part due to its natural springs that flowed across its fertile plain. It was a cosmopolitan city that engaged in a great deal of trade with neighbors and other polities, near and far. Vessels like this one have been found in great quantities in graves around Corinth.

Provenance: ex-private Orange County, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167014
Condition Report: Earthen encrustation on interior of the trefoil spout. Sandy contents within. Base/foot reattached. Nice remains of red fugitive pigment.