A Beautiful Gnathian Hydra, Greek, Magna Gracia, 400 B.C.E.
H. 20cm
HC_CR_1020
Further images
Provenance
US California private collection. Purchased 1980's
A large tapered Hydra, with tall foot and elongated
neck and flouted lip. A handle on either side of the piece and a third handle
at the back of the neck further accent the example. Painting on the face of the
vessel shows an animal like spirit (Cynocephaly) with horns and a furry body
among trees. It is surrounded on three sides by Gnathian style border work with
a central rosette. Along the neck and lip of the vessel, more decoration appears,
from floral work to modified vine patterns.