£18,900
Auction: 30 November 2022 at 14:00 GMT
terracotta, the wine jug in the form of a satyr, depicted with almond eyes, hooked nose and full lips, the ears shown projecting from the top of the head
Excavated by Ashmead Pruen in Egypt, circa 1836, thence by descent
Exhibited:
Knightcott House, Banwell, Somerset, 1918-1943
Note:
The present piece is a particularly fine and unique example of the distinctive terra sigillata African red slip ware vessels produced in the form of gods and mythical beings related to Bacchic rituals. A notable parallel is the vessel at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, Atlanta (inventory number 1996.010.002). Likely a wine vessel, the piece depicts a finely modelled youthful satyr, further underlining the use of the jug for the consumption of alcohol.
Almost certainly produced at one of the major North African pottery factories located in Africa Proconsularis (modern Tunisia and north-eastern Algeria) during the 3rd - 4th century A.D. – the piece was exported in antiquity to northern Egypt, where it was excavated by Commander Ashmead Pruen of the East India Company in 1836.
Note:
Please note this piece has been thermoluminescence dated by Oxford Authentication and confirmed to be of the requisite age. It is accompanied by a certificate provided by Oxford Authetication confirming the same.