Genuine Roman Terracotta Squat Oinochoe Jug.  Italy

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Oinochoe (aka oenochoe) is a greek term for a wine or other functional jug.  The pouring spout and the handle rising from the jug is very typical of such jugs made between 50 B.C. and 100 A.D..  Some terracotta oinochoes are painted, have reliefs along the sides, are sculpted into a human head and many times used as grave markers for young children.

 

I suspect this one – unpainted – was used for wine.  Oinochoe wine jugs are thin-walled and quite light when empty.  Ancient encrustation throughout with minor chips.  There is a stable hairline crack across its base.  There is a chip on the spout.

 

Acquired from a Chicago Collection.  Stand not included.

 

For the Serious Collector.