This blackware guttos would have been used to refill an oil lamp, as well as providing decoration to a table. It was manufactured by a Greek community in Southern Italy – an area populated by a large number of Greek colonies from the 8th century BC onwards (so much so that the Romans referred to the area as Magna Graecia – ‘Great Greece’). These Greek colonies were instrumental in bringing Greek culture and thought to Italy, greatly influencing Roman literature, philosophy, and material culture in turn. The pottery from the area is easily recognisable by its lustrous black glaze.
Apulian Blackware Guttos
£ 350.00
A Greek blackware guttos from Southern Italy. It features a high-angled flared spout and single looped handle. The central filling hole features a pronounced ridge and within it a trilobite shaped hole, where the lid would possibly be secured by screwing originally. The body is decorated with vertical ribs around the perimeter, and a band of dotted decoration along the filling hole. The vessel sits on a raised circular ridge. Most of the original black glaze has rubbed off, revealing the rich red terracotta the vessel is made of. The guttos was a vessel used primarily for refilling oil lamps, though they often also served a decorative purpose.
Provenance: From a specialist collection of Roman oil lamps formed by Roberton Brockie (deceased), all acquired before 2008 from a central London ADA gallery.
Condition: Fine condition. Most of the original black glaze missing, otherwise complete and intact.
SOLD
| Dimensions | W 10.5 x H 4.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Region | Southern Europe |
| Pottery | Blackware |
Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, Accession number 1971.11.10