An Apulian red-figure volute-krater Circa late 4th-early 3rd Century B.C. 68cm high The red-figure vase painting developed in Athens around 520 BC and remained in use until the late 3rd century BC. It replaced the previously dominant style of black-figure vase painting. Its name is based on the figural depictions in red color on a black background, in contrast to the preceding black-figure style with black figures on a red background. The most important area of production, apart from Attica, was in Southern Italy. The Apulian vase painting tradition is considered as the leading South Italian style. The main centre of production was at Taras. Apulian red-figure vases were produced from circa 430 to 300 BC. The main subjects were mythological scenes, warriors, female heads and dionysiac thiasos imagery. A krater was a large two-handled type of vase in Ancient Greek pottery and metalwork, mostly used for the mixing of wine with water. This type of krater, defined by volute-shaped handles, was invented in Laconia in the early 6th century BC, then adopted by Attic potters. Its production was carried on by Greeks in Apulia until the end of the 4th century BC. The handles are unique; in this example, they terminate below in swans' heads, and above in Gorgoneia. Provenance: European art market. Anonymous sale; Bonhams, London, 21 October 1999, lot 161. Ex private collection, UK, acquired at the above sale. The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.