An Apulian Greek black ware guttus. Larger than most, the guttus stands on a high pedestal base, the rounded outside of the body with vertical ribs. A loop handle is set on the shoulder and the spout with stepped rim-moulding. The discus is decorated in high detail relief with a depiction of a bearded god, probably Silenus (possibly an artistic pun since Silenus was famous for his insatiable thirst and his profound, prophetic wisdom when intoxicated).
Greek colonies of southern Italy, Apulia: Circa 350-300 BC
Good condition with expected wear and firing irregularities. Minor losses, tiny nicks, stable minor surface cracks around the handle which do not extend.
Height 13.7 cms (5.4 ins)
Provenance: UK collection of C.S. acquired early 2000's André Munter Archéologie, Brussels, Belgium; previously Old Belgian private collection.
The primary domestic purpose of a guttus was to serve as an oil feeder. Ancient terracotta oil lamps had tiny filling holes, and pouring olive oil from a large jug would cause messy spills and waste expensive fuel. The narrow spout of the guttus acted like a funnel, allowing a person to cleanly drip oil into the lamp to keep it burning.