Villanovan Two-Handled Jar

A terracotta amphora composed of a squat bulbous body and rounded shoulder, waisted neck, integral loop handles and integral foot, decorated with scrolling S-motifs, clusters of dots and combed chevrons. 145 grams, 10.5 cm wide



Ex collection of P. Linders, Herrliberg, Zurich, Switzerland. with Galleria Serodine SA, Ascona, Switzerland, 12 November 2008.

A spectacular bronze hydria composed of a tapering body, broad shoulder and waisted neck, the everted rim decorated with egg-and-dart motifs, three round-section handles and tiered, ogival foot; professionally restored. 4.7 kg, 39.5 cm

Fine condition, professionally restored. A spectacular display piece.

Acquired circa 1989-1990. Private collection of N.A., Niedersachsen. Accompanied by an original French cultural passport number 226773 dated 3 June 2021. 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 no.11306-190969.

Whilst such vessels were originally produced for holding water, hydriai were often re-purposed. From the 5th century B.C. onwards, they also had a funerary function, used in the cult of the dead and the underworld. Appearing as grave deposits, they were sometimes used as funerary urns, receptacles for the ashes of the deceased (see the MET hydria from Galaxidi, found with the bones still inside). Hydriai were also commonly associated with rituals relating to the cults of the gods. They have been found in temples and public buildings and have been recorded as prizes in athletic games. It has also been suggested that the more lavish examples were gifted to brides.

A single gold earring composed of a twisted wire hoop, stylised bust of a sphinx with detailed breast and lion paws. 2.55 grams, 26 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Earrings with a sphinx represent a variety of the earrings created by the Hellenised goldsmiths of the Black Sea area. These figures usually had an inlaid garnet and are dated between late 3rd and 2nd century B.C. They belong to the category of earrings with a female head, often visible in graves of the Black Sea area and not always of good quality.