Items Similar to Ancient Greek Black Glaze Kantharos Wine Cup
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
Ancient Greek Black Glaze Kantharos Wine Cup
About the Item
Greek Black Glaze Kantharos
Circa Early 4th Century B.C.
Terracotta
With old label reading ‘No. 133’
Height: 8.8 cm
This 4th Century B.C. kantharos is a wonderful example of the refined simplicity that characterises the artistic achievements of the Ancient Greeks. Its long, upper section tapers downward to meet the rounded body of the vessel, to which two handles are attached on either side, balanced on a foot. The whole surface is covered in a dark, lustrous sheen, which would have been achieved by applying an iron-rich slip to the clay before it was fired, turning it an almost metallic shade of black. This style is referred to as Black Glazed Ware, and was first developed in Athens as early as the 8th Century B.C. Within a few hundred years, particularly within the 6th-3rd Centuries, these ceramics were among Athens’ most important exports, well known, in their own day as well as among modern collectors, for their radiant finish and clarity of form. Kantharoi such as this one are thought to have been used largely for wine, particularly at banquets, or as part of ritual offerings - through this, they became one of the attributes of Dionysus, who appears holding one of these in various depictions across the Greek arts, including a miniature bronze figurine, now in the collection of the British Museum.
This particular piece comes from the collection of textile magnate Louis-Gabriel Bellon (1819-1899), who assembled one of the most important private collections of antiquities in 19th Century France. Himself an archaeologist, trained by Auguste Terninck in 1874, he conducted numerous excavations, firstly in Saint-Nicolas-lez-Arras and later in Rouen, expanding his collection of antique glasses, vases, and bronzes. After a triumphant exhibition of terracotta figurines from Tanagra at the Paris World Fair in 1878, Bellon began showcasing his collection to the French public. In 1884, he exhibited in Rouen, at the Palace of the Consuls, where his collection was celebrated as the most impressive component of the show. As well as a collector and industrialist, Louis-Gabriel Bellon was a painter, and a close friend of the important proto-Impressionist artist, Camille Corot. After his death, Bellon’s son Paul (1844-1928) continued to expand his collection and transformed the family home in Saint-Nicolas into a private museum worthy of his father’s taste and vision. Unfortunately, much of his collection was lost when the museum was destroyed in the First World War, making the near-perfect condition in which this ancient vessel has survived all the more extraordinary.
Provenance:
Collection of Louis-Gabriel Bellon (1819-1899), Saint-Nicolas-lez-Arras and Rouen.
Thence by descent.
- Dimensions:Height: 3.47 in (8.8 cm)Width: 3.15 in (8 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
- Style:Classical Greek (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:4th Century BC
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 2008
1stDibs seller since 2014
100 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 8 hours
Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' AssociationsThe British Antique Dealers' Association
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Ancient Greek Perfume BottleLocated in London, GBAthenian Black-glaze perfume pot with inscription Athens, c. 425-400 B.C. Terracotta Measures: Height: 9cm; diameter across lip: 7.5cm; width including handle: 9cm This 5th Cen...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Greek Bottles
MaterialsPottery
- Ancient Greek Black Glaze Ribbed MugLocated in London, GBGreek black-glaze ribbed mug Athens, circa 475-425 B.C. terracotta. The mug is of a straight-sided, cylindrical form with seven horizontal ribs and an applied ring handle just below the lip. The base is flat with a slightly raised foot running around the circumference. The very centre of the underside is reserved and with traces of ochre pigment. Intact, some slight chipping to the glaze touched in, areas of incrustation to the base and interior. This strikingly modern piece is a fine example of Attic black...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Ceramics
MaterialsTerracotta
- Ancient Greek Attic Pyxis Cosmetics BoxLocated in London, GBA rare Colonial Greek or Etruscan Attic black-figure Pyxis Circa 6th century B.C. Terracotta Finely moulded, the cover with rounded knob and reserved dec...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Greek Vases
MaterialsTerracotta
- Ancient Greek Corinthian HelmetLocated in London, GBCorinthian helmet with Bull Horns and Lotus Flower Decoration. Archaic Period, c.550-500 BC. Cast, hammered and incised bronze. An exceptionally well preserved example of one of the most iconic ancient Greek...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Greek Mounted Objects
MaterialsBronze
- Ancient Greek Hellenistic Bronze Statuette of SatyrLocated in London, GBBeautifully cast statuette of a satyr, Greek, Hellenistic Period, 3rd-2nd Century BC, solid cast bronze The present work is a wonderful example of the finest Hellenistic style. The ...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Figurative Sculpt...
MaterialsBronze
- Ancient Roman Turquoise Glass CupLocated in London, GBTurquoise glass cup Roman Empire, circa 3rd-4th century A.D. With old label reading ‘’965’’. “Pliny relates that the art of glass-making [.] was actua...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Glass
MaterialsGlass
You May Also Like
- Ancient Greek Style Terracotta Urn Form LampLocated in Stamford, CTRed and black painted terracotta vase in the form of an ancient Greek krater now mounted on a black and giltwood base as a lamp. The urn form with two han...Category
Early 20th Century Greek Classical Greek Table Lamps
MaterialsTerracotta
- Ancient Greek 350BC South Sicily Campanian Black Terracotta Handled Kylix VaseLocated in Miami, FLA Ancient Greek Kylix vase. Campanian ancient Greek red terracotta stemless kylix (drinking cup) with two handles. from the Magna Grecia period. Made between the 350-300 BC in the G...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Vases
MaterialsEarthenware, Terracotta
- Danish 19th Century Ancient Greek Style Cast Iron VaseLocated in Kastrup, DKCast iron vase in the ancient style. Black, red and burnt orange decorations. In original and untouched condition with beautiful patina consistent with age and use. Very decorative...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Danish Classical Greek Vases
MaterialsMetal
- Large Glazed Greek Terracotta VaseLocated in Wormelow, HerefordshireAn impressive large Greek style vase, intricately crafted in terracotta and applied with a vibrant treacle glaze. Shaped like a trophy, this mid 19th century urn shares similarities with the marble vase attributed to prominent 2nd century Greek sculptor Sosibios in terms of shape and style, detailed with unique handles shaped like a swans neck. Unlike the Sosibios vase, the heart of this terracotta vase is largely plain showcasing the beautiful tone variation and lustre of the glaze. To the top, the vase is more intricate, detailed with a section of leaves and berries and stands on a socle carved with leaves to match the lower portion of the vase’s body. Thanks to its large scale and beautiful colour, this Greek style terracotta vase makes a striking statement piece placed on a pedestal or at the centre of a large sideboard...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Vases
MaterialsStoneware
- Ancient Greek Terracotta Votive Vessel, c. 4th C. B.C.Located in Los Angeles, CAAncient Greek Canosan terracotta votive vessel made in the c. 4th Century (B.C.). It consists of a tapered bulbous body with a human figure on top wearing a draped garment. The figur...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Garniture
MaterialsTerracotta
- Chinese Glazed Wine Jar, circa 1900Located in Chicago, ILCrafted in the early 20th century, this small glazed jar was once used in a Qing-dynasty kitchen to store vinegar, wine or condiments, as evidenced by its narrow neck and interior gl...Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
MaterialsTerracotta