Subasta Bidspirit | Greek kantharos with vegetal decoration

Greek kantharos with vegetal decoration - ITEM: Kantharos with vegetal decoration MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Greek, South Italian, Apulian PERIOD: 5th Century B.C DIMENSIONS: 122 mm x 175 mm CONDITION: Good condition, repaired from original pieces. PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired in the 1970s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice. The Greek kantharos is a type of ancient drinking cup that holds significant cultural and artistic importance in Greek history. Characterized by its high, looping handles that often extend above the rim and a deep bowl, the kantharos was commonly used for drinking wine, particularly in the context of symposia, which were social gatherings for drinking, intellectual conversation, and entertainment. The form of the kantharos, with its elegant and balanced design, exemplifies the Greek emphasis on both functionality and aesthetics in everyday objects. Kantharoi are often associated with the god Dionysus, the deity of wine, fertility, and festivity. This association is frequently reflected in the decorative motifs found on these vessels. Many kantharoi are adorned with scenes depicting Dionysian rituals, including processions, dancing, and the god himself, often accompanied by his entourage of satyrs and maenads. The connection to Dionysus highlights the kantharos' role not only as a drinking vessel but also as a symbol of the divine aspects of wine and revelry. In this sense, the kantharos served both a practical purpose and a ritualistic one, linking the mundane act of drinking to the spiritual and cultural significance of Dionysian worship. The craftsmanship of kantharoi varied, with examples ranging from simple, undecorated pottery to elaborately painted and intricately designed pieces. High-quality kantharoi were often made from fine clays and featured the distinctive black-figure or red-figure techniques that characterized much of Greek pottery.