Cypriot Ceramic Jug

Composed of a shallow bowl and broad flange rim, two integral scalloped handles with scrolled flourishes, tapering to a loop handle with swan head terminals each with incised eye and beak detailing; perforated whirl within roundel to interior base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 160 grams, 22.2 cm wide (526 grams total including stand)



Ex private South German collection, 1980s. with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, lot 86. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11578-198980.

Elaborate silver 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.

Disc mirror with handle comprising: slightly dished mirror with thick rim and low-relief image of two females dancing with a sash connecting them; punched crescents in the field; reverse with dentilled border; D-section handle with angled junction and knop finial; provided with a custom-made stand; later engraving. 300 grams, 26 cm including stand



Acquired Sotheby's, New York, U.S.A., early 1980s. Private New York City collection. Acquired from Arte Primitivo, New York City, U.S.A., 7 December 2016, lot 342. Private collection of Professor Kenneth Graham, London, UK. Accompanied by the original catalogue page and a print-out of the online listing.

Comprising a variety decorated fragments including: four figural black-figure fragments; one with raised line decoration; one with raised bosses; a fragment with a gazelle facing back; one with painted motifs in red; and three other fragments with painted motifs. 264 grams total, 5.3-10.5 cm



Acquired early 20th century. Ex property of UK lady by descent. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.