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LOT 0070
Greek Black-Figure Alabastron with Fish Scale Pattern, Possibly Attributed to the Bulas Group
ATTIC, EARLY 4TH CENTURY B.C.
5 1/8 in. (87 grams, 13 cm).
Ovoid shape with short neck and expanded flat rim; painted with horizontal bands with vertical strokes on the shoulder, fish-scale pattern below and running scrolled tendrils; horizontal stripes below.
ProvenanceCollection of M. Bouvier, Switzerland (1901-1980), Switzerland. Bouvier was a law professor in Alexandria prior to 1930.
with Christie's, London, 7 October 2010, no.117.
Private collection, 2010.
Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.N125q42 by Oxford Authentication.
Accompanied by copies of the Christie's catalogue pages.
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 a search certificate number no.13008-246447.
Cf. similar alabastron in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession no. 06.1021.89; Algrain, I., Brisart, T., Jubier-Galinier, C., Parfums de l’Antiquité, La rose et l’encens en Méditerranée, Manemont, 2008; Algrain, I., L’alabastre Attique, Origine, Forme et usages, Bruxelles, 2014, pp.145ff.; Algrain, I., ‘Assessing Forming Techniques of Athenian Ceramic Alabastra’ in EXARC Journal, 21/3, 2021, pp.1-10.
FootnotesThe alabastra of the Bulas Group display scale-like patterns. They were painted with slip, a liquid clay which vitrifies when fired. This group is usually dated to the late 5th – early 4th century B.C. It was named after Kazimierz Bulas, who was the first to study them in depth in the 1930s. He characterised various shapes according to their decorative techniques (nets and floral patterns) and their functions.
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LOT 0070
Greek Black-Figure Alabastron with Fish Scale Pattern, Possibly Attributed to the Bulas Group
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
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Bronze Batillum Depicting a Reclining Banqueteer with Skyphos and Rhyton
Parthian, 3rd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Comprising a square base with a raised border and supported by four stub feet, each originally surmounted by poppy-head finials (some absent); a hollow-formed figure of a banqueteer reclining elegantly with his weight resting on his left elbow, his right leg drawn up beneath the folds of a finely pleated robe; in his right hand, a ram’s head rhyton and his left hand cradling a skyphos; his bearded head with a laurel wreath. 1.58 kg, 25 cm
Private New York collection, formed in the 1960s. Acquired on the North American art market, 1990s. with Cahn Auktionen AG, Basel, Switzerland, 13 November 2015, no.84 (CHF 18,000). 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 a search certificate number no.12379-226873.
The composition reflects the iconography of elite banquet culture in the ancient world, capturing both refinement and ritual in a single expressive figure. The Greek 'συμπόσιον' 'symposium' was the later part of a formal banquet which took place after the food had been consumed, when the serving of strong drink was accompanied by music, dancing, poetic composition or recital or earnest conversation. The custom has similarities with the Roman convivium and with the customs of many Mediterranean and Western Asiatic people. The Parthian Empire was culturally diverse and included many Hellenic groups; the Arsacid court adopted a range of aspects of contemporary Greek culture, among them Greek military structures and the Greek language as a lingua franca alongside the Parthian (Iranian) language and Aramaic. -
Greek Red-Figure Patera with Chimera
Apulian, 4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
With curved rim, carinated profile and low foot; rim with reserved wave pattern, tondo with reserved ring enclosing a chimera in profile advancing on an egg-and-dart baseline; repaired and partly restored. 342 grams, 20.5 cm wide
Ex private North American collection. Acquired in the United States, 2010. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N126a12 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13028-246781.
The legend of Bellerophon and the chimaera was a subject highly appreciated by the Greek ceramists. Red-figure Apulian plates depicting the chimaera were realised in South Italian workshops dating back to around 350-340 BC. The most famous example and possible prototype is the one held at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, created using the red-figure technique. -
Greek Silver Earring Pair with Nike
3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Each with a hook and spherical beads, applied collars and a winged figure of Nike with arms extended. 9.66 grams total, 34-37 mm
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
