Greek Attic Red-Figure Fish Plate w/ Export License

Greece, Athens, Attic, ca. 5th century BCE. This small, red-figure fish plate is of a typical form for such vessels: 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. The scene depicts three Mediterranean fish, two of which swim to the left, with the third swimming to the right. The central depression of this plate is in reserve, and a small wave pattern encircles the center of the plate, echoing the larger wave pattern around the edge of the plate. Size: 7.25" in diameter x 1.7" H (18.4 cm x 4.3 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.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex private European collection, 1997; Export license: B2/03254/97

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#153133 Dimensions: Condition Report: Professionally repaired from a few pieces with restoration to break lines/areas of the rim. Expected surface wear with scuffs/nicks here and there. Nicks to pedestal.