Lot of 2 Canosan Pottery Trefoil Oinochoai w/ TL

Magna Graecia, South Italic, Apulia, Canosan Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd century BCE. A pair of beautiful sky blue trefoil-lipped oinochoai, these vessels presenting identical forms comprised of inverted piriform bodies on flat bases, tubular necks rising to trefoil mouths, and delicate handles joining rims to shoulders. An elegant pair of vessels from Canosa, boasting brilliant blue coloration and stunning matching forms.

Canosa, or Canosion as it was known then, was a major center of the ceramics and pottery trade when it was a Greek polis. It produced truly unique pottery, completely different in decoration style (although not in shape) from earlier and neighboring traditions. The clay is buff, with the decoration applied directly to it without the use of slip. The entire body was covered with white slip, with a second ground of blue color applied over the background. The blue color of the vessels is known as Egyptian blue, a famous ancient pigment made from calcium copper tetrasilicate, believed to be the first synthetic pigment.

Condition: Both vessels have nicks/chips to rims, handles, and feet. Normal surface wear with minor pigment losses, scuffs, and deposits as shown. Otherwise intact with no repairs. Both have TL holes on the bases. One also has a larger central perforation through the center of the foot. Collection label with "82" on underside of both feet.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.