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PA-3197: ANCIENT GREEK BELL KRATER - c. mid 4th Century BC.

Height: 11 1/4 inches Width: 12 1/2 inches

Magna Graecia (Apulia), c. 350-325 BC: A magnificent terracotta red-figure painted wine mixing bowl standing on a pedestal foot.

Side A depicts a maenad seated on a pile of rocks, holding a thyrsus and casket, facing a nude satyr, his foot resting on rocks and holding a situla and mirror.

Side B depicts two himation-clad youths each holding a staff. The lower border contains a Greek key pattern, while a reverse laurel band encircles the under lip of the krater.

The handles are squared off. Kraters would be used for mixing water and wine during a Greek banquet or meal.

A very attractive example, repaired from the original pieces with minor restoration and paint over breaks only.

Provenance: Ex-Bonham's, NY, November 16, 2011. Published on CNBC, "Antiquities: New Highs for Old Treasures," October 18, 2010; Ex-Private New Jersey Collection, acquired at Ancient Art LTD, UK.