North Daunian, Sub-Geometric IIIA ca. 340–320 B.C. Clay, dark-brown matte glaze. H. 11 37/64 in; 29.4 cm, mouth dia. 6 11/16 in; 17 cm

Bulbous vessel shape with flared mouth and liberally drawn, matte-glaze decoration standing on a flat base. On the shoulder two hand-shaped protomes and two arched handles. Stylized palmettes and saw-tooth frieze on mouth; shoulder and belly decorated with stripes and wave bands interrupted by friezes of stylized hanging or standing palmettes on wave bands and a frieze of heart-shaped leaves. Protomes and handles decorated with varying stripe patterns, their points of attachment to the vessel wall framed. The remainder of the vessel wall left in reserve. Storage jar or urne of the type “Tavoliere Matt-Painted” wares.
 

Some fragments around one hand applique reinserted; in that area cracks as far as one of the handles; partial crack on the inside below the mouth. Edge of mouth worn. Some abrasion of the paint and sintering.

Formerly Coll. Prof. Kurt Alder, Basel. Acquired from Galerie Koller, Zurich, Auction 32, October-November 1974, lot 3786. Thence by descent in the family.