Ca. 400-300 BC. A black glazed cup featuring a round, deep body on a flared foot, with a looped handle that has been expertly crafted to provide a comfortable and secure grip. The entire surface of the cup is adorned with a rich, lustrous black glaze. The Apulian region of Southern Italy was a hub of ceramic production during the Classical period, and Apulian pottery was highly valued for its technical skill and artistic refinement. The black glaze on this cup is a characteristic feature, achieved by firing the clay at high temperatures in an oxygen-poor environment. This process created a smooth and lustrous surface, which was not only aesthetically pleasing but also protected the vessel from the elements and made it more durable. For a similar piece, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 1971.11.7.Size: L:50mm / W:115mm ; 85gProvenance: Private London collection, B.A.; formerly in pre-2000 European collection.