Ancient Greek Pottery Figurine of ithyphallic squatting Silenus. Spanish Export License.
06
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03
hours
04
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 400 - € 500
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Figurine of ithyphallic squatting Silenus
MATERIAL: Terracotta
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 5th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 80 mm x 35 mm x 40 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 – 1985
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.
In Greek art, Silenus (or Silenos) was a companion and tutor of Dionysus, often depicted as an older satyr with human features but sometimes with animalistic traits such as horse ears or a tail. The squatting ithyphallic Silenus is a recurring motif in Greek vase painting and terracotta figurines, usually showing the figure crouched low to the ground, with exaggerated genitals (ithyphallic) on display. This posture was humorous and intentionally grotesque, playing into the theme of Silenus as a comic, drunken, and lascivious character associated with the revelries of Dionysian cult.
Such depictions often appear on sympotic vessels (drinking cups, kraters, oinochoai) where they served as playful or even risqué imagery to amuse banqueters. The squatting pose could also be linked to the physicality of dance and revelry, suggesting a moment of drunken antics. In some cases, the figure is shown in interaction with others — pursuing maenads, carrying wine skins, or part of a procession — but when isolated, the squatting pose itself becomes a piece of visual humor, a reminder of Silenus’ association with wine, fertility, and the earth.
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: Figurine of ithyphallic squatting Silenus
MATERIAL: Terracotta
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 5th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 80 mm x 35 mm x 40 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 – 1985
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.
In Greek art, Silenus (or Silenos) was a companion and tutor of Dionysus, often depicted as an older satyr with human features but sometimes with animalistic traits such as horse ears or a tail. The squatting ithyphallic Silenus is a recurring motif in Greek vase painting and terracotta figurines, usually showing the figure crouched low to the ground, with exaggerated genitals (ithyphallic) on display. This posture was humorous and intentionally grotesque, playing into the theme of Silenus as a comic, drunken, and lascivious character associated with the revelries of Dionysian cult.
Such depictions often appear on sympotic vessels (drinking cups, kraters, oinochoai) where they served as playful or even risqué imagery to amuse banqueters. The squatting pose could also be linked to the physicality of dance and revelry, suggesting a moment of drunken antics. In some cases, the figure is shown in interaction with others — pursuing maenads, carrying wine skins, or part of a procession — but when isolated, the squatting pose itself becomes a piece of visual humor, a reminder of Silenus’ association with wine, fertility, and the earth.
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
Ancient Greek
Century/ Timeframe
5th Century B.C
Name of object
Figurine of ithyphallic squatting Silenus. Spanish Export License.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
