Etruscan Pottery Kyathos
09
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06
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45
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 650 - € 800
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Kyathos, an Etruscan pottery ladle from the 6th Century B.C., measuring 130 mm by 140 mm and in good condition, acquired from a European private collection with provenance including ALARA S.P.R.L (1976) and the F.K. collection (1972–1976), and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and an EU export license.
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Kyathos
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Etruscan
PERIOD: 6th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 130 mm x 140 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex ALARA S.P.R.L (1976), Ex F.K. collection, 1972 - 1976
The Etruscan kyathos is a distinctive ceramic form that serves as a vital artifact for understanding the social and ritual practices of ancient Etruria. Characterized by its ladle-like shape, the vessel typically features a deep, open bowl paired with a long, high-arching handle, designed to scoop wine or other liquids from a larger storage vessel, such as a krater. While the form itself has roots in earlier traditions, Etruscan artisans elevated the kyathos into a functional work of art, often crafting it from sophisticated bucchero—the iconic, iron-rich black pottery that defined Etruscan aesthetics between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE.
Beyond its utility, the kyathos held significant social status and played a prominent role in the Etruscan banquet culture. These gatherings were not merely meals but carefully orchestrated performances of wealth, political alliances, and religious devotion. The presence of a fine kyathos in a tomb assemblage suggests it was a prized possession, intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife to ensure they could continue to participate in elite sympotic traditions. The handle often provided a canvas for intricate craftsmanship, sometimes featuring geometric patterns, relief carvings, or stylized animals, reflecting the artisan's skill and the owner's taste.
Today, these vessels remain essential primary sources for archaeologists, offering insights into the complex trade networks and cultural syncretism of the Mediterranean. Many surviving examples show the influence of Greek artistic styles, illustrating how Etruscan craftspeople engaged with imports from Athens and Corinth to create a uniquely hybrid material culture. By studying the production centers, distribution patterns, and decorative motifs of the kyathos, scholars can map the shifting power dynamics and economic prosperity of Etruscan city-states, solidifying this unassuming ladle as a key to unraveling the historical narratives of pre-Roman Italy.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license
If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Kyathos
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Etruscan
PERIOD: 6th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 130 mm x 140 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex ALARA S.P.R.L (1976), Ex F.K. collection, 1972 - 1976
The Etruscan kyathos is a distinctive ceramic form that serves as a vital artifact for understanding the social and ritual practices of ancient Etruria. Characterized by its ladle-like shape, the vessel typically features a deep, open bowl paired with a long, high-arching handle, designed to scoop wine or other liquids from a larger storage vessel, such as a krater. While the form itself has roots in earlier traditions, Etruscan artisans elevated the kyathos into a functional work of art, often crafting it from sophisticated bucchero—the iconic, iron-rich black pottery that defined Etruscan aesthetics between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE.
Beyond its utility, the kyathos held significant social status and played a prominent role in the Etruscan banquet culture. These gatherings were not merely meals but carefully orchestrated performances of wealth, political alliances, and religious devotion. The presence of a fine kyathos in a tomb assemblage suggests it was a prized possession, intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife to ensure they could continue to participate in elite sympotic traditions. The handle often provided a canvas for intricate craftsmanship, sometimes featuring geometric patterns, relief carvings, or stylized animals, reflecting the artisan's skill and the owner's taste.
Today, these vessels remain essential primary sources for archaeologists, offering insights into the complex trade networks and cultural syncretism of the Mediterranean. Many surviving examples show the influence of Greek artistic styles, illustrating how Etruscan craftspeople engaged with imports from Athens and Corinth to create a uniquely hybrid material culture. By studying the production centers, distribution patterns, and decorative motifs of the kyathos, scholars can map the shifting power dynamics and economic prosperity of Etruscan city-states, solidifying this unassuming ladle as a key to unraveling the historical narratives of pre-Roman Italy.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license
If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Etruscan
Century/timeframe
6th Century B.C
Name of object
Kyathos
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
