Bowl with Floral and Figural Relief Decoration

A single rosette sits on the base of this bowl, enclosed in a circle from which the main motif radiates up the walls of the bowl. Four oblong lotus leaves alternate with four palm fronds, each separated by a smaller frond, eight in total, some of which have masks above them. This main motif is topped by a small figural register that depicts erotes, alternating with palmettes that crown the lotus leaves as well as the palm fronds. An error in firing has created inconsistent coloring on the vessel, leaving the interior mostly black and the exterior red with a large black blemish.

The name for this style of Hellenistic mold made ceramic relief bowls, “Megarian ware,” is due to the mistaken notion that the vessels originated in Megara, Greece. Instead they were produced all across the Hellensitic world. These hemispherical bowls are characterized by their exterior relief, usually made up of floral designs, but occasionally including human and animal figures. These bowls were widespread and immensely popular, acting as the preferred wine drinking vessel of the middle and upper class until the end of the Hellenistic period.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Dikran Kelekian, Paris and New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown][said to be from Cyzicus]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1909, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.