400-300 BC. Southern Italian. Gnathian oinochoe with elongated spout, constricted neck, piriform body, ring base and high, ear-shaped handle. The exterior is painted black; several registers of painted decoration in cream and brown shades appear on the upper part of the body: these depict grapes and other foodstuffs, indicating the vase’s use for pouring wine. Gnathian vases are a subtype of ancient Apulian vase painting of the 4th century BC, named for the ancient city of Gnathia (now Egnazia) in Eastern Apulia. Gnathian vases are characterised by the application of different paints directly onto the glazed vase body. Common themes depicted include erotes, images from the life of women, theatre scenes and Dionysian motifs. These vessels would have been used both in domestic contexts and during religious rituals. Excellent condition.Size: L:200mm / W:90mm ; 235g; Provenance: From an important British collection of Mr. C.S.; originally acquired in the 1980s on the UK/European art markets.