Greek Terracotta Kantharos

Each composed of a penannular body with stylised snake head terminals; each accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 52.4 grams total, 64 mm each (119 grams total, 82 mm high including stand)



UK art market, 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no. 201181.

The bracelets belong to the type with zoomorphic terminals, probably representing snake’s heads or dragons emerging from flat rectangular strips with incised decoration and continued as lobed bodies resembling stylised palm leaves or palmettes. This Thracian tradition is attested in the ancient kingdom of Dacia.

Bulbous bodied with a cylindrical neck and everted rim, decorated with incised geometric motifs: chequered squares, vertical chevrons, hatched and striped lozenges, combed circumferential bands; accompanied by an acrylic display base. 375 grams, 20 cm high



Acquired in the 1990s. From the deceased estate of a North Yorkshire private collector, UK. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Red burnished-ware pottery became the dominant pottery ware lasting into the Middle Bronze Age on the island of Cyprus. Vessels were handmade and covered with a slip, which was burnished and often decorated with patterns incised with a sharp cutting edge before being fired. Potters were able to produce vessels that were either mottled or painted in two colours, often red outside and black inside and on the exterior of the rim.

Modelled as a skinned lion's head with fierce facial detailing; made for soldering to an articulated round handle. 98 grams, 51 mm high



Private collection, Germany, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market 2010.

The handles were usually shaped as divinities or animals linked with gods (ie. lions for Herakles). A similar specimen can be seen in the Berlin Museum (inv.7491), from Athens.