Daunian Terracotta Pottery Olpe

SKU: SC.0013

Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: 5th Century BC to 4th Century BC
Dimensions: 5.5" Height x 5" Width (14 cm x 13.2 cm)
Medium: Terracotta

This very fine Daunian pottery Olpe features a thick red band encircling the center of the jar, with two very thin lines above, and a slightly thicker one below. The bulbous body widens at the middle then tappers quickly to the narrow flat footed base, which has a thick umber border. An energetic wavy line is the lone decoration to the shoulder.  All geometric decorative elements are set against a particularly attractive buff background. The everted lip is done in red, connected by the handle which curves to middle of the body and is ornamented with a laurel leaf in red. 

$1,800.00

Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, 2003. Private Collection, Beverly Hills, California..

Earthy deposits throughout the surface with small patches of encrustation. Otherwise excellent condition with strong remaining pigment.

An olpe is a characteristic type of terracotta wine jug made by the Daunians of northern Apulia, in what is now the Puglia region of southern Italy, between the 7th and 4th centuries BC. These single-handled vessels are typically identified by their elongated or rounded bodies and broad, funnel-shaped rims. They were decorated by hand with geometric patterns and bands using slips in shades of brown, red, and black. Daunian pottery is distinguished by its bold yet understated designs, combining indigenous Italic ceramic traditions with artistic influences introduced through contact with nearby Greek settlements.

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