Greek Gold Vessel-Shaped Pendant

With a piriform body and narrow foot, deep shoulder and flange rim, strap handle to the rear; the rim and shoulder with radiating strokes, concentric bands to the body and foot, frieze of stylised running hounds below the shoulder. 34 grams, 63 mm high



Acquired 1980-1990s. From the private collection of H.N., Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK.

Proto-Corinthian aryballoi of the same type, probably of Etruscan manufacture, in buff-ware decorated with dark metallic, purple-maroon and red-brown bands have been found in the Veii excavations. John Boardman noted that the shape in Corinth barely survives the 7th century, but these small pots are still found in Etruscan graves of the first half, or at least the first quarter, of the 6th century B.C.

Black-glazed rounded body with two upright loop-handles, raised base, keeled edge with a thickened disc rim. 143 grams, 10.8 cm wide



Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an old typed catalogue slip.

This pyxis was once fitted with a lid for cosmetics, powder or jewellery. Greek pottery from southern Italy is most easily identified by its glossy black finish, as seen here. It was the product of the Magna Graecia, especially in Apulia, a region in southern Italy populated by Greek colonists from the 8th century B.C. onwards, which imitated the artistic workshops of Attica and developed its own style.

Comprising mainly examples with bezels, most with incised decoration including star, geometric and vegetal motifs. 74 grams total,16-29 mm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.