South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus
South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus

South Italian Black Glaze Pottery Guttus

16811

$2,000.00
/
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This vessel is a classic example of a guttus, a type of ancient Greek and South Italian pottery used primarily for dispensing small amounts of liquid, such as oil or water, often drop by drop. Characterized by its single handle, ribbed body, and a narrow, funnel-shaped spout, the guttus was both a practical and ceremonial object, commonly found in domestic, ritual, and funerary contexts from the 4th to 3rd centuries BCE. The surface is finished with a lustrous black glaze, typical of South Italian wares, and the vessel stands on a ring-shaped foot with the natural terracotta color visible at the base. Of particular note is the central medallion on the top of the guttus, which features a depiction of a Nubian figure. In ancient Greek art, Nubians were often portrayed with distinctive features and darker skin, serving as motifs that evoked the exotic and distant lands of Africa. Such imagery reflected the Greek fascination with the "other" and was used to conjure ideas of far-off, mysterious places, sometimes associated with wonder, danger, or ritual significance. The combination of functional design and the exoticizing motif of the Nubian places this guttus at the intersection of daily life and the broader cultural imagination of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Size: 3-1/2 inches H.

Provenance: Ex. William Frolich Collection. New York, NY.  Rare and Choice

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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