Late Lydian Bronze Phiale with Boss

Comprising a circular body with a rounded base and two strap handles, a short neck with an everted rim; the body with a painted expanding cross motif with the arms separated by a band of pellets. 132 grams, 11.1 cm



Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1994. Private family collection since the late 1990s. 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.13018-246795.

Mycenaean ceramics were influenced by Minoan shapes and decorative styles from the late Middle Helladic period. This close relationship – likely accompanied by the development of shared cultural practices and etiquette – creates the hypothesis that pilgrim flasks were introduced to Greece via Crete. Pilgrim flasks were produced in Mycenaean contexts from the Late Helladic IIA:1 period (1420-1390 B.C.).

With trefoil mouth and integral ribbed handle, covered in a red slip with burnished surface; held in an antique wooden box crate. 1.72 kg, 28 cm



Collected by Miss Patience Townend, in the late 1950s. Thence by descent to the owner’s godmother. By gift to Mrs Lucy Manningham-Buller, circa 2002. Private collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from Rupert Chapman, Curator of Levantine Antiquities, in the Middle Eastern Department at the British Museum, dated 4th March 2013, discussing the piece: ‘…there is no doubt in our minds that the piece is genuine, and that it dates to the eighth century B.C....the piece you have is a very fine one… any museum would be very happy to have such a fine example in its collection’. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13090-248974.

This object exemplifies the high-quality tableware produced during its historical period, intended for use in the wealthiest homes.

Hemispherical in profile with slightly everted rim and a matt glaze, raised architectural motifs to the shoulder, dense stylised vines below; shallow rosette foot. 208 grams, 13.5 cm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.