Apulian Pottery - Black Gloss Ware: Epichysis
Inv. No.: 82.024
Provenance: Apulia
Date: c. 350 BC
Height: 105mm
Diameter: 93mm
A type of jug made in Apulia that has a short, cylindrical or reel-shaped body with a wide flanged edge at the base and also at the junction with the gently rounded top. The sides of the cylinder are slightly concave in profile. A slender tubular neck with a flaring base rises from the centre of the rounded top. The junction of the neck with the body is marked by a groove and the inner edges of the flanges are also grooved. An oblique, beaked spout has been formed by bending the top of the neck over to one side and cutting through it, forming an open trough. The flat strap handle passes up from the top edge of the neck and curves around and down onto the edge of the shoulder. Moulded faces adorn both sides of the junction of handle and neck. The vase is shiny metallic black, except for the reserved edge of the cylinder and the underside of the base. It is in very good condition, except for some incrustation on the reserved areas.
Function:
A jug or oinochoe, used for pouring liquids.
Manufacture:
A wheel-made vase with a handle that has been shaped by hand and mould-made faces decorating knobs of clay at the top of the neck.
Decoration:
- Two moulded faces on each side of the top of the neck where the handle attaches to it.
- A moulded ring around the lower part of the neck.
Bibliography:
Seaby Coin & Medal Bulletin, August 1982, V297.
Comparanda:
Breitenstein, N. and K. Friis Johansen, Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Danemark 7, Copenhague 7 (1955), IV, Plate 286, 7 (lekythos with similar body, but different neck, mouth and handle).
Hayes, J. W., Greek and Italian Black-Gloss Wares and Related Wares in the Royal Ontario Museum: A Catalogue, Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum, 1984, 73 (similar vase, but with a stamped and incised pattern on the shoulder).
Lamb, W., Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Great Britain 6, Cambridge 1 (1930), Plate XLI, 2 (similar vase, with stamped pattern).