Ancient Greek, Magna Graecia Ceramic Kylix

Fine Magna Graecia Black-Glazed Stemless Kylix with Ribbed Decoration (17.5 cm)

Culture/Region: Magna Graecia (Apulian or Campanian)

Period: 4th Century B.C. (c. 350 - 300 B.C.)

Material: Terracotta / Black Glaze

Dimensions: Width across handles: 17.5 cm; Height: 6.5 cm.

Description:
A well-proportioned ancient Greek black-glazed stemless drinking cup (kylix). The lower section of the bowl features deliberate vertical ribbed incisions. This specific decorative technique was employed by ancient potters to emulate the fluting and repoussé work found on expensive bronze or silver metalware of the period. The underside of the foot is "reserved" (left unglazed), clearly displaying the natural reddish-orange hue of the ancient clay.

Condition:
Excellent ancient condition. The piece is intact, with no modern repairs or restorations. It exhibits authentic signs of age and long-term burial, including minor ancient abrasions on the rim and handles, and concentric wear marks inside the bowl. Notably, the surface shows natural misfiring spots (reddish/brownish areas) where the glaze oxidized irregularly in the ancient kiln—a definitive indicator of its antiquity and original firing process. Earthy encrustations are present.

Provenance:
European private collection 1970