Greek Glass Ring with Pegasus

Standing figure tightly wrapped in a himation with both hands clenching the fabric draped close to the body. Over 500 kg, 152 cm high



Prof. Dr. Ernst Berger (1928-2006), Basel, acquired between 1961-1993. with Jean-David Cahn, Basel, 2009. On loan to the Antikenmuseum und Sammlung Ludwig, Basel, 1993-2009. Accompanied by an academic report by Professor Neritan Ceka. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12213-222441.

Despite the damage, the statue appears to be a high quality piece of work by a virtuoso sculptor. The sparing use of strong movements and their diagonal contrast in the hand and foot placement suggests an early Hellenistic date for this type of sculpture, known from a few examples from Attica and the islands. Similar representations of women wearing the chiton and himation during the Hellenistic period are seen in the Tanagra type terracottas of the 4th century BC.

Comprising a shallow bowl and broad flange rim, two integral scalloped handles with lateral scrolled flourishes, each tapering to a S-curved handle with swan-head terminals with incised eye and beak detailing; perforated whirl within roundel to interior base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand with mirror. 402 grams total, 19.7 cm including stand



with Hôtel des ventes de Belfort Sarl, October 2011, no.16. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. 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.12209-222140.

Elaborate gilded strainers, such as this present example, were used at symposia and festive occasions for the purpose of preventing the dregs of wine from entering the wine cup. This and other related silver utensils became popular in the later 4th and 3rd century B.C. These highly decorated wine strainers were fitted with dual handles forming loops in the shape of twisting animals, here a swan. Usually they took the form of a shallow dish complete with four rings of perforations in the centre in order to drain the wine. Strainers of this type were used to separate out sediments which could be found in the thick Greek wine. Examples similar to this one have been found in royal tombs in northern Greece, as well as the tomb of a monarch in Sudan.

With trumpet-shaped foot, broad bowl with carinated profile, flared rim, two lateral D-shaped handles; horizontal painted bands; repaired. 249 grams, 21 cm wide



Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.