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LOT 0558
Apulian Terracotta Hare Oil Flask
7TH CENTURY B.C.
3 3/8 in. (82 grams, 86 mm).
Hollow-formed in the shape of a hare at rest with long ears parallel to the spine, vent to the chest; with spot markings to the flanks.
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market, 1989-1995.
with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003.
Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.
Cf. similar item in Harvard University Art Museums, accession no.2002.283, in Harvard University Art Museums, Annual Report 2002-2003, Cambridge, MA, 2004, p.12.
FootnotesMould-made aryballoi (perfume flasks) in the shapes of animals were popular in Greece in the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. Aristocratic men gave real hares as gifts to younger male lovers; this vessel might have performed a similar function.
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Etruscan Globular Pendant with Birds' Heads
Circa 8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Comprising a spherical body with biconvex collar, lateral arms ending in stylised bird-heads, pierced lobe above; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 113 grams total, 69 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
These globular pendants surmounted by two opposed birds heads belong to the early Iron Age phase of the Etruscan-Villanovan culture. The heads are those of aquatic birds, whose motif is often repeated on the embossed belt-cuirasses decorating the waists of high-status men and women. -
Greek Pyramid Seal with Inscription
Circa 5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
With incuse Zeus seated on a stool, holding the shaft of a sceptre topped by an eagle, legend to the side 'XAΡOΝ'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.02 grams, 20 mm
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The seal bears a classical representation of seated Zeus with his eagle-headed sceptre. The inscribed name (Charon) is probably the one of the owner, according to the interpretation of Boardman. The parallel of the image on this seal can be seen on a blue chalcedony scaraboid, type A.L.17 preserved in the Getty Museum (inventory 84.AN.I.12).
