Greek Core-Formed Glass Amphoriskos

With flared foot, broad shoulder and trumpet-shaped mouth, strap handle to the rear; painted frieze with scene of two warriors fighting on foot with spears, watched by four silhouetted spearmen with pointillé detailing. 270 grams, 17.1 cm



Acquired in Germany, 2006. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12382-226969. 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.

Carved from fine marble and raised on a tall, conical pedestal foot, supporting a hemispherical body; four prominent evenly spaced elongated vertical lugs, each pierced for suspension. 400 grams, 89 mm high



with Münzen und Medaillen, Weil am Rhein, 1975, Katalog 51, no.9. Private German collection. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12663-236275. 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.

The overall form is both functional and elegantly balanced, characteristic of Early Cycladic craftsmanship. The Cyclades, a group of thirty-nine islands and numerous islets in the southwestern Aegean, formed a cultural ring - kyklades in ancient Greek - around the sacred island of Delos, site of the revered sanctuary of Apollo. By the fourth millennium B.C., a distinctive civilisation had emerged on these islands, flourishing for over two thousand years. The Cycladic culture thrived due to its strategic maritime location and its rich deposits of iron and copper - vital commodities during a period of rapidly developing metallurgy throughout the Mediterranean. While existing alongside the more dominant Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations, the Cycladic people are recognised as one of the three principal Aegean cultures. Vessels such as this, known as kandila, were typically crafted in marble or clay and are believed to have held liquids such as oil or wine. The pierced lugs may have supported suspension cords or secured a lid. Often found in tomb contexts alongside marble figurines, these vessels likely played a role in funerary rituals. Regardless of their original function, kandila vessels remain enduring examples of Cycladic artistry. Their minimalist design, elegant proportions, and subtle detailing reflect a culture that placed equal value on utility and aesthetic form.

Modelled in the round with bands of hatched texture to the back, rump and horns, pierced lug muzzle, incised detailing. 501 grams, 17 cm long



UK private collection, 1994. European private collection. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N125e38 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12656-234662. 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.