Cypriot Terracotta Figure Head Collection

Broad dish with band of openwork triangles to the lower sidewall, flat base; painted with black concentric rings, black rim, red band to the openwork. 190 grams, 15 cm



Peter Cran collection, Scotland, who worked as an engineer for the Cypriot public works department 1931-1946; thence by descent. Acquired from Bonhams, London, 23 May 2012, no.6 (part). From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages and original lot tag.

Comprising six fragments from a bowl once decorated with concentric circles around a central disc with expanding black rays, remains of palmette to the sides of the handle; the internal base with two facing warriors holding spears and a wreath, the older one depicted with a beard. 67 grams total, 34-89 mm



Acquired in Europe before 1990. Private collection, Europe. 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.11820-206481.

The Rider Painter was a Laconian vase painter active between 560 and 530 B.C. and is considered to be one of the five great vase painters of Sparta. He painted various forms predominantly kylikes but also lebetes, a form rare in this area. He mainly painted scenes from mythology, such as figures like Cadmos or Heracles, and tales such as the blinding of Polyphemus. In addition, he realised pictures from everyday life. The attribution of these fragments to his workmanship can be supported by the motifs painted on the exterior decoration of the vessel, and by the shape of the birds and figures. The illustrated scene fits within the warrior society of Spartan Laconia.

Mixed group including fragments of carinated cups, a painted bowl, and other types. 1.06 kg total, 5.8-15 cm



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.