Greek Terracotta Mask of a Satyr

A pair of spherical gold beads with filigree ornament: both with gold wire to the equator with granulated triangles above and below, one with scrolled S-motifs in each hemisphere and granules around each mouth; the other with striptwist V-motifs with coiled arms in each hemisphere and striptwist collars to both mouths; both hollow-formed. 3.16 grams total, 11 mm each



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

A terracotta kylix with broad flat foot, short stem, broad bowl with carination at the shoulder, glared mouth and two square strap handles; frieze of black-painted decoration including two scenes of a chariot yoked to two centaurs, one with sgraffito markings, between palmettes; restored. 566 grams, 25.5 cm wide

Restored.; fine condition, repaired.

Cambridgeshire collection, 1990s-2000s. Ex property of a Sussex gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by 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.11579-198944.

These Attic kylikes were usually presented with a stemmed base, a deep bowl and twin, upturned loop handles, all upon a concave base. The exterior walls were decorated with black-figure technique on red background, here in a style remarkably similar to that of the Haimon Painter, especially in the rendering of facial features, and feet. The imagery on the exterior of these kylikes, used in the symposia, varied a lot. Just as the cup could be a mask (in the so-called typology of the Attic black-figure eye cups) to transform the drinker, to give a “complex painted character”. Daily life scenes, or fantasies like the chariot here pulled by centaurs, were among the various subjects.

An amorphous fragment from a terracotta face, retaining the left eye, nose, partial upper lip and fringes of hair, rendered with semi-naturalistic detailing. 125 grams, 13 cm high



Private Swiss collection, acquired 2002.