Two Greek Xenon Miniature Vessels

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Exceptional Finds | Ancient, Asian, Ethno, Fi...

By Artemis Fine Arts

Mar 20, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-03-20 10:00:00 2025-03-20 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Finds | Ancient, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-finds-ancient-asian-ethno-fine-art-18151
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• Lot Description
  Greek, Magna Graecia, Italic colony of Apulia, Xenon style, ca. 300 BCE. This fine pair of Greek ceramics is offered in our Exceptional Sale despite their relative low price. In my humble opinion, a miniature can be every bit as exceptional as a "full sized" object. Each of these little masterpieces was created in the same proportions as was the original. Beginning with the one-handled olpe with laurel leaves and vertical tongues, followed by a skyphos with extended horizontal handles and wave, stripe and leaf pattern surrounding the body. Size of each: 2" H (5.1 cm)
  
  There has been debate as to the purpose of these tiny vessels - with some examples being found at a fraction of the size of these. These vessels are almost always found in tombs leading to 3 theories for their creation. The first theory suggests these were toys for the tombs of children, although such examples have also been found in the tombs of adults. The next theory states these were bought as representations of objects needed in the afterlife by surviving family members who could not afford the "real" thing. Better a miniature than nothing at all. The final theory suggests these were brought from relatives who traveled a distance to the site of the tomb and it was burdensome to carry large objects. We may never know the real reason.
  
  Provenance: private Thousand Oaks, California, USA collection, acquired February 15, 2003; ex-Peter Morris, London, UK
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #192411

  Condition

  Each intact with minor war to paint.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

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