400-300 BC. Southern Italian. A large Gnathian bell-krater, with a broad rim, bell-shaped body, and pedestalled ring foot. Two zoomorphic handles, perhaps depicting felines, project from either side of the body, just below the rim. The exterior is painted black, with details in white, cream and luxurious deep red. Side A: An upper register of egg and dart motif is followed by a zigzag motif atop a dotted band. Below this is an intricate grapevine motif with alternating bunches and tendrils, grouped around a central red band. Side B: a simpler white vine motif. 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:305mm / W:390mm ; 2.73kg; Provenance: From an important British collection of Mr. C.S.; originally acquired in the 1980s on the UK/European art markets.