Greece, Athens, ca. 450 BCE. A pretty pottery oinochoe whose black-figure artwork is in incredible condition. It has a narrow handle and a pinched trefoil rim. The decoration is classic black figure, painted using shapes reminiscent of silhouettes or shadows. The artwork depicts three figures, two standing still and facing the third, who occupies the center position. He seems to be some kind of elder, wearing a long robe, and is flanked by two majestic sphinxes. Mythological scenes, especially drawn from the Trojan War or the legends of Heracles, were common subjects for the artists creating black figure pottery, vessels like this one made primarily for the tomb. Size: 5.75" W x 8.5" H (14.6 cm x 21.6 cm) Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection 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. #135271