Greek Terracotta Head Collection

With a flared and carinated foot, meander patterns around the lower body, band of rosettes encircling the neck, gusseted handles with masks to the outer faces opening to two columnar legs, broad shoulder with loops flanking the handles; red-figure scenes to the neck and body: Side a: above, a quadriga with Nike at the reins, wings spread; below, naiskos with flanking columns, hero standing beside his horse, resting on his spear, wearing a muscled armour, surrounded by seated and reclining females and youths in various poses, one of the youths holding the hero's pointed boots in his hand; Side b: above, a palmette, below column with decorative ribbons flanked by two seated males and two females offering votive gifts; some restoration. 13.85 kg, 78.5 cm high



Private collection, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Ex collection H.& P. Payot, Clarens, by descent. Accompanied 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 a search certificate number no.12066-218199.

Monumental kraters such as this one are typical of the Apulian red-figure production that developed between circa 440 and 300 B.C. in the region of the Greek colonies of Taranto and Metaponto in Southern Italy, where they were used as tomb markers in cemeteries. Here the painter focuses on the celebration of the hero-warrior, surrounded by young women and men, the image of the victorious leader is emphasised by the full panoply and iconography of Nike.

Comprising: carinated rim fragment from a bowl with reserved siren, panther, rosette and other ornament; bowl base with reserved advancing nude male or satyr on a red field, sgraffito detailing; skyphos rim fragment with part of the handle, reserved egg-and-dart band. 106 grams total, 7.4-13 cm



From an early 20th century collection. By descent the property of a UK lady. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. Accompanied by a previous handwritten note including provenance.

The body of the panther resembles the style of the school of Sophilos, an Attic painter active circa 580-560 B.C. The naked image (a dancing satyr?) recalls the Attic black figure depictions of ithyphallic satyrs, with torso, arms, legs and incision for internal details in white paint, made around 500 B.C.

Comprising a biconvex body and flared foot, tapering shoulder, carinated mouth; strap handle to rear with tall notched thumb-pad; painted scheme of panels with hatched bands and reserved lozenges, eye motifs and other detailing. 650 grams, 23.5 cm



The property of an English collector. with Bonhams, London, 20 October 2005, no.408. Property of a North London collector. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages.