Lot 15
Ancient Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. 5th century BCE. A lovely Attic lekythos (oil vessel) of a traditional form with a slender, tall body, a tubular neck rising to a cup-shaped spout with a flat rim, and a single strap handle joining neck to shoulder, all upon a circular foot. The exterior walls are extensively decorated with a charioteer holding the reins of what appears to be a quadriga given the number of horse legs. The scene is underscored by horizontal bands, while the shoulder showcases a ray and dot motif. Below the pictorial scene are striations above the black finish. Size: 1.8" Diameter x 5" H (4.6 cm x 12.7 cm)
This is a very nice example of the black figure technique in which the figural and decorative motifs were applied with a slip that turned black during firing, while the background was left the natural color of the clay. The vase painter also took the time to incise the slip in order to delineate individual features and gestures, and to add some additional red pigment.
Ceramic production and painting took place in the northwest corner of Athens, in Kerameikos, where artisans created beautiful pottery as well as architectural decoration, roof tiles, and figurines. These were generally made on manually turned potter's wheels, and were either the product of one or two workers - there was no mass production. Athenian kilns were fueled by wood, and the temperature controlled the ultimate color of the pottery.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Mr. David F. Hoff estate, Virginia, USA, acquired in the 1990s
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#179552
- Condition: Rim and handle have been professionally repaired and restored, but done very well with break lines almost invisible. A few nicks and abrasions to areas, but otherwise, mostly intact with a very nice presentation. Good remaining pigments and earthen encrustations to interior. Scriffito or workshop incision on base.
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