Greek Red-Figure Bell Krater with Satyr and Eros

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 late 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 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 basal ring, trumpet-shaped spout and ring handle, disc decorated with low-relief image of infant Hercules battling a snake, shoulder with palmettes; crack across the body. 165 grams, 11.5 cm



From the stock of a former UK antiquarian, acquired at trade fairs and from private collection formed in the 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Europe.

Angered by his infidelity, Zeus' wife Hera attempted to kill the infant Herakles by sending two snakes to his cradle, where he slept. As the snakes coiled around the baby Herakles woke and strangled them, thus displaying his superhuman strength at an early age.

Cup-shaped body with flared and curved rim, flat-section handle with swan-head finial; the body with pierced rosette pattern. 159 grams, 27.4 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12233-222331.

The Agora excavations in Athens have yielded a large number of funnels, Hellenistic and Roman, which tend to be of a basically similar type, though of course with variations. Perhaps the most important feature of all these funnels is that they were made for use and not for show. The bronze specimen found in Galaxidi is very similar to our strainer.