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South Italian Black-Figure Owl Amphora
Circa 5th-4th Century BC
Description: Beautiful black-figure amphora with rare owl motif. Beneath each black-glazed strap handle the body is decorated with a stylized tree branch with three Egyptian-style front-facing owls between the branches on each side of the vase. Each owl varies slightly in height and stature, but all have remains of white paint delineating a triangular beak, dotted eyes and an arc indicating the left wing. Each stands on relatively long, white legs with slightly arched talons. Two eyes still have a significant amount of white glaze, while one bird has an extra line of detail distinguishing its neck. The vessel's shoulder bears alternating black and white strokes. Two thick black bands border the owl motif. Flared neck encircled by a wreath with a black vine and white stemmed leaves. Black glaze covers lip and interior of neck. Owls stand on a thick encircling ground line, a reserve band below. Continuous black glaze covers the narrowed bottom of the vessel's body and flared foot. The foot is concave and reserved on underside.
Of interest, a white thumbprint left in antiquity is visible beneath one owl, as well as some further white clouding that corresponds to where the potter's other four fingers held the vessel. Lip and foot potted slightly uneven. An exceptional and elegant example of a rare type.
Height: 7.25 in. (18.5 cm)
Condition: Intact with nicely preserved surface.
Provenance: The vase was formerly a British property.
Reference: See Maria Cappalletti's Museum Claudio Faina di Orvieto: Ceramica Etrusca Figurata (Italy 1992)no. 23 for the type in Etruscan black-figure.
Background: Owls were popular in Greek mythology and art. They
were the birds favored by Athena, goddess
of wisdom, as she was so impressed by their large wide eyes and solemn
countenance. Athena banished the roguish
crow, and adopted the nocturnal owl. The owl was believed to be protected and
had a magical "inner light" that 
provided the bird with its night vision. As the symbol of Athena, owls decorated
Greek soldiers' armor, altars and
homes, and it was said that if the bird flew overhead on the day of battle, it
was an omen of victory. Owls also kept
watch over trade and commerce in Athens from the back side of their coins.
Price: $ 5,500
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