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LOT 0075

Roman Pottery Pinecone Vessel, ex-Royal Athena, w/ TL

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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A stunning glazed ceramic chalice with four rows of staggered pinecone scales (the pinecone motif perhaps referencing the cult of Dionysos, as the god of wine carried a staff or thyrsus topped by a pine cone), twin sinuous ribbed handles mimicking glass trailing, the exterior glazed in hues of rich verdant green, the interior of golden orange - all gracefully supported by a diminutive circular base. For centuries, Greco-Roman pottery was decorated via the black-figure and red-figure techniques; however, in the second half of the first century BCE, the Romans created this interesting variation - covering vessels with vitreous glazes that made for a beautiful glossy colors like the stunning greens and golden oranges gracing this piece. Size: 4.625" W handlespan x 3.625" H (11.7 cm x 9.2 cm)

According to an article published in the journal of the Princeton University Art Museum, "When Cicero was travelling in the east in 50 B.C., his friend Atticus asked him to order 'Rhosica vasa,' presumably vases made in the town of Rhosus on the modern Gulf of Alexandretta, and presumably vases of unusual ceramic interest. Cicero expressed surprise, as we know from one of his letters, since Atticus, like the well-to-do of his day, ate off metal dishes, but apparently he complied with his friend's request." ("A Lead-Glazed Cup", F.F.J. Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University Vol. 20, No. 2 (1961), pp. 57-59.)

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-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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.

#143855
Condition Report: Repaired from what looks like three large pieces. Chips to rim. Fine craquelure on the glazed surface. Old Royal Athena label on the underside of the base. TL hole on base.

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16 Jan 2020
USA, Louisville, KY
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[ translate ]

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A stunning glazed ceramic chalice with four rows of staggered pinecone scales (the pinecone motif perhaps referencing the cult of Dionysos, as the god of wine carried a staff or thyrsus topped by a pine cone), twin sinuous ribbed handles mimicking glass trailing, the exterior glazed in hues of rich verdant green, the interior of golden orange - all gracefully supported by a diminutive circular base. For centuries, Greco-Roman pottery was decorated via the black-figure and red-figure techniques; however, in the second half of the first century BCE, the Romans created this interesting variation - covering vessels with vitreous glazes that made for a beautiful glossy colors like the stunning greens and golden oranges gracing this piece. Size: 4.625" W handlespan x 3.625" H (11.7 cm x 9.2 cm)

According to an article published in the journal of the Princeton University Art Museum, "When Cicero was travelling in the east in 50 B.C., his friend Atticus asked him to order 'Rhosica vasa,' presumably vases made in the town of Rhosus on the modern Gulf of Alexandretta, and presumably vases of unusual ceramic interest. Cicero expressed surprise, as we know from one of his letters, since Atticus, like the well-to-do of his day, ate off metal dishes, but apparently he complied with his friend's request." ("A Lead-Glazed Cup", F.F.J. Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University Vol. 20, No. 2 (1961), pp. 57-59.)

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-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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.

#143855
Condition Report: Repaired from what looks like three large pieces. Chips to rim. Fine craquelure on the glazed surface. Old Royal Athena label on the underside of the base. TL hole on base.

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Sale price
Unlock
Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
16 Jan 2020
USA, Louisville, KY
Auction House
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