Hellenistic Terracotta Water-Carrier Figure

Modelled in the half-round on a tongue-shaped plaque, with right hand in the folds of the robe and left hand holding the hem; mounted on a custom-made stand. 155 grams total, 13.7 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Squat biconvex body with narrow base, strap handles attached to the disc above the central post on the upper face, with offset tubular spout; painted with bands of red pigment to the shoulder and disc. 270 grams, 11.5 cm high



Ex Peter Cran ciollection, Scotland, who worked as an engineer for the Cypriot public works department 1931-1946; thence by descent. Acquired from Bonhams, London, 23 May 2012, no.6 (part). From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages and the original Bonhams lot tag.

Black-glazed rounded body with two upright loop-handles, raised base, keeled edge with a thickened disc rim. 143 grams, 10.8 cm wide



Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an old typed catalogue slip.

This pyxis was once fitted with a lid for cosmetics, powder or jewellery. Greek pottery from southern Italy is most easily identified by its glossy black finish, as seen here. It was the product of the Magna Graecia, especially in Apulia, a region in southern Italy populated by Greek colonists from the 8th century B.C. onwards, which imitated the artistic workshops of Attica and developed its own style.