Greek Terracotta Chalice with Linear Decoration

The piriform body tapering towards the splayed foot, D-section strap handle and calyx-shaped mouth with flat rim; the body painted with a scene of two duelling hoplites, dressed in full armour comprising shields, greaves and helmets, dressed in short chitons and assisted by their arbiters holding staffs and dressed in long himation; the shoulder with palmette decoration and facing figures of a man and a woman with long garments around the shoulder; restored. 381 grams, 23 cm high



Old Swiss collection. Acquired in Europe before 2011. 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.11815-206482.

To the Greeks, lekythoi were containers for dispensing oil. The characteristics shape of this vessel was that of a long body, narrow neck, one handle and a cup-shaped mouth. The shape was fit for the function of the lekythos: the narrow neck prevented the unnecessary loss of oil by enabling small amounts to be distributed evenly and the mouth to collect the excess. The represented scene is probably taken from the Iliad and could represent the combat between Ajax and Hector, assisted by arbiters.

The cup with two handles to the neck and a broad, integral foot; both principal faces displaying an owl standing right between laurel branches; repaired. 127 grams, 15 cm wide



Acquired in Europe before 1994. with Christie's, New York, 2 June 1995, lot 95.

Segmented body with central filigree wiring, collared knops to three corners, integral coiled pin and trapezoidal catchplate with lotus flower engraved to the outer face, loop with stylised serpentine head to base. 13.5 grams, 63 mm



Acquired in Europe before 1994. European collection.