Ca. 6th-5th century BC. A terracotta kyathos with a hemispherical body, shallow in depth, with an arched handle that protrudes vertically from the edge of the rim. The smooth exterior and interior and undecorated apart from the handle, which is adorned with brown-painted short stripes, a small detail that adds a touch of elegance to an already exquisite piece. The same brown paint is used to decorate the rim, completing the vessel's cohesive and refined appearance. The kyathos was an essential item in Daunian culture, serving both practical and ceremonial purposes. Its shallow design and arched handle made it ideal for scooping and pouring liquids, such as wine or oil, during meals and festivities. But the kyathos was more than just a functional item - it was also used in religious rituals, such as libations, and as an offering to the gods. Daunian pottery, of which this kyathos is a fine example, was produced in the region of Apulia in southeastern Italy during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. The Daunians were known for their exceptional pottery skills, creating vessels with intricate shapes and designs. Their pottery was highly valued and traded throughout the Mediterranean world, demonstrating the cultural and economic significance of their craft.Size: L:75mm / W:130mm ; 230gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.