Ancient Greek Pottery One-handled skyphos. (No Reserve Price)
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Single-handled skyphos
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 125 mm x 97 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired in 1986 from P.L., Paris
A Greek skyphos is a type of drinking cup used in ancient Greece, particularly during the Archaic and Classical periods (circa 700–300 BCE). The skyphos typically features two horizontal handles and a deep, rounded bowl. It was often used for drinking wine, both in private homes and during symposia (social drinking parties). The shape of the skyphos made it easy to hold and drink from, and it was a popular vessel for everyday use as well as for ceremonial occasions. The design of the skyphos remained consistent over time, with slight variations in size and decoration depending on the region and period.
The decoration of Greek skyphoi often reflected the artistic trends of the time, ranging from simple, geometric patterns to more complex mythological scenes. Black-figure and red-figure pottery techniques were commonly employed to decorate the cups, with the former style becoming prominent during the 6th century BCE. Artists would often depict scenes from Greek mythology, such as gods and goddesses, heroes, and daily life, making the skyphos not only a functional object but also an expression of cultural and artistic identity. These vessels were not only practical but served as a form of storytelling, with their elaborate designs adding a layer of visual richness to the drinking experience.
In terms of social and cultural significance, the skyphos was closely associated with the symposium, an important part of Greek social life where men gathered to drink, converse, and engage in intellectual discussions. The skyphos was the typical vessel for these gatherings, reflecting the importance of wine-drinking in Greek culture.
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: Single-handled skyphos
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 125 mm x 97 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired in 1986 from P.L., Paris
A Greek skyphos is a type of drinking cup used in ancient Greece, particularly during the Archaic and Classical periods (circa 700–300 BCE). The skyphos typically features two horizontal handles and a deep, rounded bowl. It was often used for drinking wine, both in private homes and during symposia (social drinking parties). The shape of the skyphos made it easy to hold and drink from, and it was a popular vessel for everyday use as well as for ceremonial occasions. The design of the skyphos remained consistent over time, with slight variations in size and decoration depending on the region and period.
The decoration of Greek skyphoi often reflected the artistic trends of the time, ranging from simple, geometric patterns to more complex mythological scenes. Black-figure and red-figure pottery techniques were commonly employed to decorate the cups, with the former style becoming prominent during the 6th century BCE. Artists would often depict scenes from Greek mythology, such as gods and goddesses, heroes, and daily life, making the skyphos not only a functional object but also an expression of cultural and artistic identity. These vessels were not only practical but served as a form of storytelling, with their elaborate designs adding a layer of visual richness to the drinking experience.
In terms of social and cultural significance, the skyphos was closely associated with the symposium, an important part of Greek social life where men gathered to drink, converse, and engage in intellectual discussions. The skyphos was the typical vessel for these gatherings, reflecting the importance of wine-drinking in Greek culture.
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
Ancient Greek
Century/ Timeframe
4th Century B.C
Name of object
One-handled skyphos.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1986
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.
