Ancient Greek, Magna Graecia Ceramic MINIATURE BLACK-GLAZED HYDRIA

SOUTH ITALIAN GREEK MINIATURE BLACK-GLAZED HYDRIA

Magna Graecia, probably Apulia
4th century BC, second half

Terracotta miniature hydria with a globular body resting on a low ring foot, short cylindrical neck and broad flaring mouth. The upper part of the vessel retains extensive remains of the original black glaze, while the lower body is largely reserved.

The vessel was originally provided with the characteristic three-handle arrangement of the Greek hydria: two horizontal handles placed symmetrically on either side of the body and a vertical handle extending from the shoulder to the rim. The vertical handle is preserved, while the two horizontal handles are lost, their attachment points remaining clearly visible on the sides of the body.

The exceptionally small dimensions identify the vessel as a miniature hydria, a category well attested in the Greek communities of South Italy during the Late Classical and early Hellenistic periods. Miniature hydriai are particularly associated with funerary and votive contexts; a closely related class of South Italian miniature hydriae is documented in Apulia during the later 4th century BC.

Material: Terracotta
Technique: Wheel-made, black-glazed
Height: 73 mm
Weight: 92 g

Condition: Archaeological condition. One vertical handle preserved. Both original horizontal side handles are missing, with their attachment points visible. Losses and extensive wear to the black glaze; earthen and calcareous surface deposits. Chips and losses to the rim. No attempt has been made to reconstruct the missing handles.

Dating: 4th century BC, probably second half
Culture: Greek, South Italian
Probable production: Apulia, Magna Graecia

Reference: Compare the Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. 41.162.224, miniature hydria/kalpis, Apulian, ca. 350–300 BC.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

PROVENANCE
Private collection, Germany before 1990