Hadra Hydria with Inscription

Culture: Greek/Alexandria

Period: 3rd century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 45.5 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1021

Provenance: Collection Dr. Rene Anciaux, Belgium, collection formed in 1974.

Condition: The colors of the decoration, mainly leaves and vine branches, are slightly faded, sintering on the surface.

Description: This hydria from Hadra, a cemetery close to Alexandria, is one of the last 300 examples known today. These water jars, originally produced in Crete, were used as cinerary urns in the cult of the dead in Egypt. It is assumed that this vase form was introduced in Egypt to carry out burials in Greek style. In the center of the body of this model there is an inscription which reads "AICXPAC" ("the free peasant"), to be interpreted as the job title of the deceased.