Archaic Greek Terracotta Figure of Mounted Warrior with Shield

Comprising various vessel fragments including a partial handle, most with linear decoration, some with old pencil inscriptions. 122 grams total, 29-61 mm



From a deceased estate, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The fragments of Daunian ceramics presented here seem to belong both to the first vascular group of this type of ceramic, the most numerous, that of Herdonia, either to that of Canosa, which forms the second vascular group of Daunian ceramics. In the first group the two-tone decoration is limited to thin elements in red, interspersed with the rest of the decoration in a blackish-brown colour, consisting of minute and dense geometric motifs. The Canosa vases are instead generally monochrome, not lacking the sober use of red lines, having as a central motif a pendulous quadrangular panel, with three free sides of the decorative frame.

Comprising a shallow bowl and broad flange rim, two integral scalloped handles with lateral scrolled flourishes, each tapering to a S-curved handle with swan-head terminals with incised eye and beak detailing; perforated whirl within roundel to interior base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand with mirror. 402 grams total, 19.7 cm including stand



with Hôtel des ventes de Belfort Sarl, October 2011, no.16. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12209-222140. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Elaborate gilded strainers, such as this present example, were used at symposia and festive occasions for the purpose of preventing the dregs of wine from entering the wine cup. This and other related silver utensils became popular in the later 4th and 3rd century B.C. These highly decorated wine strainers were fitted with dual handles forming loops in the shape of twisting animals, here a swan. Usually they took the form of a shallow dish complete with four rings of perforations in the centre in order to drain the wine. Strainers of this type were used to separate out sediments which could be found in the thick Greek wine. Examples similar to this one have been found in royal tombs in northern Greece, as well as the tomb of a monarch in Sudan.

Modelled standing on squat legs, long tail draped along the back, head turned to the left with open jaws, stylised mane detailing behind the neck. 40 grams, 32 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.