Greek double-handled jug with small applied heads on the handles

ITEM: Double-handled jug with small applied heads on the handles
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: Hellenistic period, 2nd - 1st Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 140 mm x 130 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, 2015, acquired from German art market

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 Hellenistic period saw significant developments in ceramic production, reflecting both artistic refinement and the cultural exchanges fostered by Alexander the Great’s empire. Pottery from this era moved away from the black- and red-figure styles of the Classical period, favoring more elaborate and colorful decorative techniques. One notable type is West Slope Ware, characterized by dark-glazed surfaces adorned with white, yellow, and red painted motifs, often including floral patterns and relief appliqués. Additionally, molded relief decoration became more common, with vessels sometimes featuring mythological or theatrical scenes.

Hellenistic ceramics also embraced increased diversity in shape and function, catering to both everyday and elite consumption. Fine tableware, such as lagynoi (slender jugs associated with wine and Dionysian rituals), became popular, while larger storage vessels like pithoi and amphorae facilitated trade across the Mediterranean. The influence of Eastern traditions led to hybrid forms, including vessels with sculptural elements and molded figures, sometimes imitating metalwork. Notably, Rhodian and Koan amphorae became prominent markers of trade, as their stamped handles helped archaeologists trace commercial networks and dating sequences.

Beyond aesthetics, Hellenistic pottery played a role in religious and funerary contexts. Vessels such as cantharoi and lekythoi were often used in rituals, while others, like terracotta figurines and urns, were placed in graves as offerings. The production centers of Corinth, Athens, and the Aegean islands remained influential, but new hubs like Pergamon and Alexandria emerged, showcasing the period’s cosmopolitan nature.