A Red-figure Kantharos with Owl Lot n° 50

Apulian 4th cent. B.C.. Clay. H. 9 cm A kantharos with near vertical walls flaring outward at the top and resting on a ring foot. An owl stands in three-quarter view with face shown frontally, framed laterally by upright olive branches, and with an ornamental band of meanders below. The reverse features a panel of non-figural decoration, consisting of olive leaves, a lattice pattern, and egg and dart motif. The owl framed by olive branches was a popular Attic motif in the late fifth century, and served as inspiration for local South Italian versions, such as this one. Condition: Partial sintering of the surface. Minor repair to the rim. Formerly with Parthenon Gallery, London. Thereafter, priv. coll. London.