GREEK GNATHIAN TERRACOTTA THISTLE MUG WITH DECORATION
Ca. 350–300 BC.
A glazed wheel-thrown thistle mug with a petite tiered foot, a bulbous body that tapers to a wide neck, a flared rim, and an applied bifurcated ring handle. The body is detailed with white painted chevrons, above bands of applied white paint, red and yellow dotted design between highly stylised wave motif. The Gnathian style originated from Apulia, a region of Italy located along the southern coast. It consisted of a polychromic design applied onto a dark, varnished background. The primary colours used were red, white, and yellow although white soon became the dominant colour.
Size: L:112mm / W:186mm ; 0.3g
Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.
Estimate: GBP 250 - 500