Etruscan Chalice with Encircling Impressed Frieze

Culture: Etruscan

Period: End of 7th to beginning of 6th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 11.3 cm high; 12.8 cm in diameter

Price: Sold

Ref: 4094

Provenance: Sotheby’s Parke Bernet Inc., 21 May 1977, lot 4.

Condition: On the inside a small matte area, where possibly was once an old auction label, otherwise intact.

Description: Chalice of the so-called Bucchero ware with a trumpet-shaped foot. Below the rim two parallel embellishments. Below them an encircling impressed frieze which repeats itself in parts. Depicted are three times two dignitaries seated behind each other, one holding a garland, the other one a spear in their hands. Towards them three striding persons with stretched out arms and a votive in their hands – possibly flower garlands as well as bows and spears. For reference of this type see a similar chalice in “The University of Michigan Museums of Art and Archaeology“, Marburg Collection 2590.