Roman Terra Sigillata Lagynos

$2,841.66

A fantastic Roman terra sigillata lagynos from North Africa. The lagynos was a wine pot used in banquets, and particularly popular during the Hellenistic age. This incredibly unique vessel features a decorated strap handle, and neck shaped like a bearded man with oversized facial features. The shoulder depicts Silenus among grape vines: he is holding a sickle and picking the grapes, which encircle the shoulder of the lagynos. The bottom of the vessel is shaped like a large rosette.

Date: Early 4th Century AD
Provenance: Gorny & Mosch, sale 227, lot 414., German private collection.
Condition: Fine condition; professionally repaired, some chipping to rim.

In stock

According to Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Dionysus (or Bacchus) was the god of grapes and wine. In connection with these attributes, Dionysus was also associated with release and with extremes of state: from the giver of sensual pleasures, to more chaotic and destructive passions. Part of Dionysus’ power and mystery derives from the fact that he was a relatively young god, and the final addition to the pantheon of the twelve Olympians.

Silenus was the rustic god of wine-making and drunkenness, and always depicted as an old man. He was the foster father, tutor, and companion of the god, Dionysus, who was entrusted to Silenus’ care by Hermes after his birth from the thigh of Zeus. Silenus rode in the train of Dionysus, seated on the back of a donkey, and it was believed that he could predict the future when intoxicated.

After conquering Carthage at the end of the Third Punic War (146 BC), Rome established the province of Africa around the destroyed city. The province grew to encompass the coastlines of north-eastern Algeria and western Libya. ‘Terra sigillata’ is a type of fine red Roman pottery with glossy surface slip, which was made in specific areas of the Roman Empire, such as North Africa. Terra sigillata is most easily identifiable by its clear and shiny red paint, as well as by the relief decoration, which is modelled, embossed, or applied. In addition, some vessels are impressed with stamps or “seals”. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that terra sigillata means ‘clay bearing little images’.

To discover more about the cult of Dionysus please visit our relevant blog post: Dionysus: Madness, Release, and Wine.


Weight 864.6 g
Dimensions H 14.1 cm
Culture

Greek Mythology

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

Roman Mythology

Reference: For similar: The Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, item 99.31.A

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