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Iconographic Meaning

Suspended bunches of grapes, grape leaves, and tendrils on a drinking vessel an obvious indication of its intended use.

History Of Use

The skyphos was a squat wine cup whose shape allowed it to hold a larger amount compared with other contemporary cup forms. Primary use was utilitarian but also used as grave goods. The style of decoration is called Gnathian Ware which was a South Italian product of the 4th century B.C.E. Characterized by the use of a black background over most of the surface upon which further decoration in red, white and yellow is added as are incised lines. The style seems to have been invented in Taranto and most of it comes from Apulia.

Description

Deep bowl narrowing at foot with small flared base, two horizontal handles on each side high on body, surface primarily in black glaze with reserved band on foot, underside of base reserved. Further decoration on rear at level of handles consisting of oblique dashes in white between which are two incised lines. Front has a more complex decoration consisting of an incised line below rim under which is a tongue pattern in white followed by two incised lines, a wave pattern in white and two more incised lines. Below this is a band of dots followed by a thick red line, suspended from this are three clusters of grapes in yellowish white, two grape leaves and four tendrils.

Cultural Context

utilitarian; funerary