GREEK GNATHIAN EPICHYSIS DECORATED WITH LAUREL CROWN

Ca. 400 - 300 BC.
A black-glazed pottery pouring vessel, known as an epichysis. Characterized by its distinct spool-shaped base, the vessel features a domed shoulder leading to a tubular neck. A diagonally positioned long spout is seamlessly joined to the shoulder, accompanied by a high, raised handle. Two animal heads adorn the juncture where the handle meets the spout. The domed shoulder of the epichysis is decorated with a finely executed polychrome pigments. The focal point of this intricate design is a left-facing portrait of a noble lady, rendered amidst scrolls and tendrils. Surrounding the everted rim, an egg pattern adds a subtle embellishment, while delicate white strokes encircle the base of the neck. The lower body of the vessel is adorned with a band featuring laurel leaf tendrils. For similar, please see The British Museum, Museum number 1978,0414.39. This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy.
Size: 200mm x 130mm; Weight: 320g
Provenance: Property of a central London gallery, previously acquired on the Dutch art market; Ex. Frederik Van Driel, Maastricht 1993. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.