South Italian Gnathian Ware Pottery Oinochoe

Bulbous vessel with narrow neck, broad rim to the mouth and short strap handle to the rear; frieze of warriors with spears and large round shields to the equator, circumferential rings and pellets to the rim. 92 grams, 69 mm high



From an early French collection, pre 1960.

From the eighth to the seventh centuries B.C. Corinthian pottery was widely exported, especially to Greek colonies in South Italy and the coast of Asia Minor. They were used to hold perfumed oil and were an essential item for the wealthy and emerging middle classes of the time. In Italy, especially Etruria, local workshops produced imitations for a clientele of Greek settlers as well as local populations with a taste for Greek products and fashions.

Hollow-formed model hand with fingers held straight together. 430 grams, 20.5 cm



Old private collection, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Acquired from Agora Auctions, Auction 60, no.417. Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 16.03. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and images.

Votives of an anatomical nature began in the Hellenistic or late Classical period, where they were associated with healing and with fertility.The red pigment on the votive suggests that it was provided by a male; female hands were white or pink. The votives were provided to visitors at the temple, and were disposed of over time.

With dragged trails to the body and applied annular rim. 12 grams, 44 mm



Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.