Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Terracotta Lagynos with Light-Coloured Slip

lot/ancient greek hellenistic terracotta lagynos with light coloured slip 21 cm qHMjHYU 633208907 / For sale

lot/ancient greek hellenistic terracotta lagynos with light coloured slip 21 cm qHMjHYU 633208907

For saleAuction results

lot/ancient greek hellenistic terracotta lagynos with light coloured slip 21 cm qHMjHYU 633208907

For saleAuction results

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Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Terracotta Lagynos with Light-Coloured Slip - 21 cm

A substantial and attractive Hellenistic terracotta lagynos, distinguished by its broad carinated body, tall slender neck, ring foot and strongly profiled single handle. The vessel has the characteristic proportions associated with the Hellenistic lagynos form. From a low ring foot, the lower body expands outward to its maximum diameter at a pronounced angular transition. Above this, the broad, gently rounded shoulder narrows distinctly towards the neck, creating a compressed, almost biconical or carinated profile. A tall and relatively slender neck rises from the shoulder and terminates in a pronounced outward-flaring rim. To one side is a substantial high-looped strap handle, extending from the upper neck and rim area to the shoulder. Particularly noteworthy is its pronounced modelling: several clearly defined longitudinal ribs or grooves run along the exterior of the handle, giving it a strongly profiled and decorative appearance. The vessel was produced on the potter’s wheel, and horizontal throwing marks remain visible in places on the body. Large areas of the original light cream to beige-coloured slip remain preserved. Age-related wear and losses to the surface coating reveal the beige to slightly reddish-brown ceramic fabric underneath. The combination of the broad architectural body, elongated neck, strongly modelled handle and surviving light-coloured surface gives the vessel a particularly striking appearance. Typology and Dating The lagynos is a characteristic vessel form of the Hellenistic world, particularly associated with the eastern Mediterranean. Typical features include a broad, relatively low body with a clearly defined shoulder, a tall narrow neck, a small ring foot and a single handle extending between the shoulder and upper neck or rim. Comparable vessels are known from Greece, the Aegean, Cyprus and Ptolemaic Egypt. A particularly close comparison is preserved in the British Museum: a Hellenistic lagynos from Salamis, Cyprus, with a compressed carinated body, small ring foot, long neck, flaring rim and handle extending to the shoulder. At approximately 20.8 cm in height, it is remarkably close in size to the present vessel and is dated to approximately 300–150 BC. Further parallels are known from Ptolemaic Egypt. Lagynoi from Naukratis in the Nile Delta display comparable broad shoulders, tapering lower bodies, tall necks and handles extending between the shoulder and neck. Examples of this general type are dated to the later Ptolemaic period, approximately 200–50 BC. White-ground and light-slipped lagynoi are also represented in major international museum collections and are characteristic of Hellenistic ceramic production. On the basis of its form, proportions and surface treatment, a dating to the Hellenistic period, approximately the 3rd–1st century BC, is appropriate. A more specific attribution to Ptolemaic Egypt is possible, but without a documented archaeological find context or scientific analysis, a broader attribution to the Eastern Mediterranean is preferable. Function Lagynoi were used for the storage and serving of liquids, particularly in connection with Hellenistic drinking and dining culture. The tall neck and relatively narrow opening allowed controlled pouring, while the substantial handle provided a secure grip when the vessel was lifted and tilted. Its unusually broad body provided considerable capacity while retaining the elegant proportions characteristic of the lagynos form. Condition Good condition considering its age. The body, ring foot, neck and substantial handle are preserved. Large areas of the original light cream to beige-coloured surface slip remain visible, with age-related wear, abrasions and partial losses revealing the ceramic fabric underneath. The surface displays areas of discolouration, earthy and mineral deposits, minor scratches and small chips consistent with age. The rim shows age-related irregularities and minor chipping. The substantial handle is preserved, and its characteristic longitudinal ribbed decoration remains clearly visible. Overall, an attractive ancient vessel with a naturally aged surface and clear signs of antiquity and use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description. Provenance Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership. The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.

Estimate:$448.61

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