ITEM: Miniature hydria
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 42 mm x 47 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex American private collection, New Jersey, acquired before 2000s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Greek hydria is a type of ancient Greek pottery vessel characterized by its large, rounded body, wide mouth, and three horizontal handles. These vessels were primarily used for storing and transporting water, although they also had ceremonial and ritualistic functions. Hydriai were commonly made from clay and decorated with painted designs, relief ornamentation, or incised motifs, reflecting the artistic tastes and cultural preferences of different regions and time periods within ancient Greece.

The shape and design of the hydria made it well-suited for carrying and pouring water, with the wide mouth allowing for easy filling and the multiple handles facilitating lifting and pouring. Some hydriai also featured a fourth handle attached to the neck, known as a kalpis handle, which provided additional support and stability when lifting the vessel. The body of the hydria was often decorated with scenes from mythology, daily life, or religious rituals, serving as both functional containers and works of art.

Hydriai were commonly used in ancient Greek households for domestic water storage and usage, as well as in public spaces such as fountains, wells, and communal water sources. In addition to their practical purposes, hydriai also played a role in religious ceremonies and rituals, where they were used for libations, purifications, and other ceremonial rites.

Good condition

4.2 x 4.7 cm