Cypriot White-Slip Ware Tankard

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.

Each composed of a pair of bifacial addorsed horse-heads with filigree and granule detailing, filigree loop to each mouth, coil to each forehead, six loops to the underside each with a chain and sheet gold fruit pendant; to each face an inset glass cabochon; one with twisted wire ear hook above; both earrings with ancient chain dangles, one with a replicant horse. 18.08 grams total, 58-64 mm



Previously acquired on the UK art market between 1978-1980. Ex property of a North West London gentleman.

With a scalloped profile to the body, scooped shoulder, lateral symmetrical handles rising from the shoulder to the flared rim; chipped. 302 grams, 15 cm wide



Private collection, Cannes, France. Ex Setdart Fine Art, Spain. Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 23.12. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.

Compared to certain types of khantaroi (such as some found in the tomb of the Duce of Vetulonia) the shape of this cup seems more developed in height than in width. These typologies of khiatoi presupposed ceramic rather than metallic models.