Rare Greek Boeotian Pottery Horse -Shaped Askos w/ TL

Greek, Boeotian, Archaic Period, ca. 575 to 550 BCE. A wonderful hand-built terracotta horse vessel with a filler hole emerging from its back, standing upon raised front and back conjoined legs, and presenting a stylized head with a nicely modeled mane as well as a pronounced snout that doubles as a spout. The body of the vessel is otherwise generally cylindrical in form. There are lateral perforations running through the front and rear legs for attachment and/or suspension. Beyond this intriguing form is the extensive decoration of a characteristically abstract style in a russet red hue, replete with striations, hatched motifs, and dotted eyes. A very special Boeotian equine figure - unusual as it is a vessel rather than a figurine. Size: 8" L x 4.625" H (20.3 cm x 11.7 cm)

Terracotta figurines were produced throughout Greece; however, they were particularly popular in certain areas like Boeotia. Horses, whether with or without riders, were endearing subjects for Boeotian artisans, and such figurines were oftentimes left as votive burial offerings in graves. Horses were popular because they indicated wealth for the Greeks of this period. Hence, such terracotta horses were most likely left to reinforce the elite status of the deceased.

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: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1970s

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.

#146172
Condition Report: Small section of filler hole reattached. Abrasion/surface loss to underside of rear legs. Loss to rear end (perhaps tail), rim of filler hole, and rim of spout/snout. Wonderful root marks and mineral deposits across the surface. Normal surface wear with some loss to pigment, scuffs, and abrasions commensurate with age, but decorative program is still strong. TL hole under back legs.