Greek Geometric Terracotta Jar

Carved in the round with stub antlers to the brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 982 grams total, 19.7 cm including stand



Acquired before 1947. Ex Wood family collection, UK; thence by descent 1970.

The deer head probably came from a larger votive terracotta sculpture, which depicted a standing doe, perhaps being led to be sacrificed. The presence of the deer could connect the original terracotta to a sanctuary of Diana, whose sacred animal was the deer.

Speckled glaze; deep shoulder with chamfered rim and strap handle. 776 grams, 16.5 cm high



Acquired by the vendor's father on the UK art market, before 1990.

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.