Ca. 400-300 BC. Apulian. A terracotta kantharos with a ring foot, carinated body, flaring neck, and two high strap handles. The dark slip that used to cover the whole kantharos is preserved almost everywhere. Good condition. Kantharoi were a type of ancient Greek cup used for drinking wine in religious rituals and more convivial situations such as banquets (symposia). Kantharoi are also an attribute of Dionysos, the god of wine, who is often seen holding a kantharos in representations on ancient Greek vases. Apulia was a region in south-eastern Italy that, from the 8th century BC onwards, was populated by a vast number of Greek colonies - so much so that the Romans referred to the area as 'Magna Graecia' (Great Greece). These Greek colonies were instrumental in bringing Greek culture and thought to Italy, greatly influencing Roman literature, philosophy, and material culture. Size: L:95mm / W:140mm ; 200g. Provenance: From the private collection of a Kent gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.