Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Terracotta Hellenistic Terracotta Lagynos - 19 cm

Well-preserved Hellenistic lagynos made of reddish-fired terracotta. The vessel has a broad, squat body with a distinctly articulated shoulder, a comparatively long and narrow neck, and a high-set handle. Its characteristic proportions correspond to the lagynos, a vessel type widely used throughout the Hellenistic Eastern Mediterranean.

The body rises from a small, slightly offset ring foot, expanding outward to reach its greatest width in the upper section. Particularly distinctive is the pronounced angular transition to the shoulder, above which the profile slopes gently towards the neck, creating the clearly articulated silhouette typical of this vessel form.

The shoulder is decorated with several fine concentric wheel-turned lines and grooves. Additional horizontal turning marks are visible on the neck and body, reflecting its manufacture on the potter's wheel.

The relatively tall neck narrows slightly before widening towards the mouth. It terminates in a broad, strongly modelled projecting rim, clearly differentiated from the neck.

A substantial strap handle rises from just below the rim in a broad curve before joining the shoulder. Its outer surface is articulated by several longitudinal grooves, creating a distinctly ribbed profile.

The terracotta displays a warm orange to reddish-brown colour, with natural variations resulting from the firing process. Lighter deposits, areas of discolouration and age-related surface wear are distributed across the vessel. Original turning marks and the texture of the clay remain clearly visible in numerous areas.

Typology and Function

The lagynos is one of the characteristic vessel forms of Hellenistic pottery, particularly associated with the Eastern Mediterranean. It is generally distinguished by a broad body with a clearly defined shoulder, relatively narrow neck, and single handle.

Lagynoi were used as jugs or pouring vessels for liquids, particularly wine, and were associated with Hellenistic drinking and banqueting culture. Alongside elaborately decorated examples with light-coloured slips and painted ornament, simpler undecorated or plain-bodied versions were also produced, relying primarily on their distinctive form, profiling and wheel-turned decoration.

The present example belongs to this largely undecorated, plain terracotta group, with its broad body, sharply articulated shoulder and grooved strap handle providing the principal decorative elements.

Condition

Good condition consistent with age. Surface wear, mineral and earthy deposits, discolouration and minor chips throughout. A clearly visible chip or small loss is present at the rim. Further age-related irregularities and traces of use are visible.

The body, neck, foot and handle are overall well preserved, and the original form of the vessel remains fully legible. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.

Provenance

Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter.

As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.