Greek Red-Figure Oinochoe from Apulia

Apulia, Greater Greece, 4th Century BC

Oinochoes are wine jugs and a key form of ancient Greek pottery. Often decorated with fine artwork, it is an intermediate between a pithos (large storage vessel) or amphora (transport vessel), and individual cups or bowls. 

This piece is an example of an oinochoe from the Greek South Italian Colony of Apulia, famous for such painted cases. It is decorated in red-figure with details in added white and yellow pigment. The body of the vessel presents a Lady of Fashion with an elaborate beaded saccos, ear ornaments, and a beaded necklace. On the neck are vertical frets, and a complex stylized palmette adorns the area below the upraised handle, a trefoil lip, and a tiered pedestal base. 

Provenance
Ex London Art Market; then Estate of Con Hondros, Brisbane. Acquired from Antiquarius Ancient Art 2022

Ref: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 06.1021.226

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