Greek Attic Plastic Ware Head Vase - Aphrodite

Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. second quarter of the 5th century BCE. A stunning orangeware pottery "head vase" in the form of a female bust - possibly depicting Aphrodite - the vessel with a high vertical handle and a dramatically flared round rim. As is characteristic of such vessels, the mold-made head and neck of the woman serves as the body and foot of the vessel. Above her head rises a tubular neck that resolves in a flared rim. The female's visage with its perfect symmetry and delicate features - full lips, aquiline nose, high cheek bones, almond-shaped eyes, and arched brows topped by a neat arched beaded diadem - suggests that she represents Aphrodite, the goddess of love an beauty. Size: 5.875" H (14.9 cm)

According to the Met's curatorial description, "Head vases became important in Attic vase-painting at the end of the sixth century B.C. and continued almost through the fifth. Considerable numbers of these small examples exist, mostly with the head of a woman but occasionally with that of Herakles or another male figure. Since the Greeks tended not to waste valuable materials on funerary offerings, one wonders whether such pieces contained a token dedication."

For further reading: J. D. Beazley, "Charinos: Attic Vases in the Form of Human Heads," Journal of Hellenic Studies 49 (1929): 38-78 and E. Reeder, "Pandora: Women in Classical Greece" Princeton, 1995, 212-215, nos. 47-48.

A comparable example is listed for $19,000

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA; ex-private Ohio, USA collection, acquired in 1980s

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#148039
Condition Report: Tiny drill holes for TL testing on underside of base and rim as well as behind diadem. Old nicks to rim of base with an ancient chip to back of neck and normal surface wear commensurate with age. Handle and rim have been professionally repaired and reattached. Some restoration to the brim of the headdress. All repairs/restoration are very well done.