Apulian Greek Gnathian Red-Figure Pelike with Female Head Profile & Matching Saucer, South Italian, ca. 350–300 B.C.

A charming Ancient Greek South Italian (Apulian) Gnathian Ware pelike, dating to the Late Classical / Early Hellenistic Period, ca. 350–300 B.C., accompanied by its original matching saucer. This form, with its elegant twin handles, flared rim, and narrow foot, is characteristic of smaller Apulian vessels used for perfumed oils, offerings, and domestic ritual.

The main decoration features a finely painted female profile head in added white, red, and yellow pigment against a black-glazed background—one of the signature motifs of Gnathian pottery. Surrounding ornamentation includes grape clusters, vines, tendrils, and vertical ribbing along the lower body, all executed in added color typical of Apulian workshops.

The accompanying plate or saucer is decorated with radiating strokes and a central motif of a white-figure dove, symbolizing peace, love, and Aphrodite. These saucers often functioned as presentation stands, enhancing the vessel’s status within household or funerary contexts.

This type of Gnathian ware is well represented in major museum collections including the Getty Villa, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and British Museum, and remains highly collectible for its delicate polychrome surface and refined South Italian aesthetic.

Ancient Greek, Apulian, South Italian Greek, Gnathian Ware, Red-Figure, Polychrome Vase, Greek Pelike, Miniature Greek Vessel, Greek Pottery, Terracotta, Greek Female Head, 4th Century B.C., Greek Saucer, Greek Plate, Magna Graecia, Hellenistic Greek, Greek Antiquities, Museum Quality, Classical Artifacts, Greek Decorative Arts

Dimensions: H:6in, D:5in.

Significant surface encrustation and pigment loss; areas of glaze abrasion; small chips to rim; wear consistent with burial; saucer with losses around edges. Handles intact. Structurally stable with strong archaeological surface.