Celtic Iberian Calathus with Inscription

Culture: Iberian

Period: 2nd century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 6.3 cm x 8 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 5121

Provenance: French private collection, acquired 2012 from Kai Schmidt in Cologne, Germany. Accompanied by a handwritten transcription paper of the previous owner.

Condition: Unrestored. A large stable crack on the lower part of the vessel, otherwise intact.

Description: Cylindrical terracotta vessel with a flat base and a straight, pulled out rim. The light clay is painted and written on the outside and on the rim with brown color. The painting depicts a large wild boar being attacked by three wolves with greedy wide-open mouths and tongues hanging out. On the other side a butterfly between volutes decoration. An inscription is transcribed from the Celtic Iberian writing reading “Aqatir th Rinin”. Worldwide there are less than 200 Celtic Iberian inscriptions known. Very rare.