Greece, Corinth, Italo-Corinthian (Etrusco-Corinthian), ca. 600 BCE. A stunning example of a wheel-thrown polychrome pottery alabastron - used for holding perfumes and scented oils - with a characteristic round-bottomed, piriform body that rises to a slightly concave rim with an applied handle joining rim to neck. The body is decorated with a pair of confrontational panthers, their butting heads so close that they appear to be a singular animal. Flowing necks and shoulders are detailed in red slip while their powerful bodies, attenuated legs, and sinuous tails appear in black slip. A tall swan stands proudly between the hind quarters of both lions with similar red and black coloration and a sly grin across its beak, perhaps because the panthers have not yet spotted the bird hiding in plain sight. Foliate details fill the empty space between the zoomorphic figures with slip forms and incised detailing, and radiating linear motifs accentuate the rim, handle, and base, all atop a cream-hued ground. Size: 3.375" W x 5.8" H (8.6 cm x 14.7 cm). For a stylistically-similar example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 30.115.26: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/253076 A stylistically-similar example with panthers and a swan entirely in red-figure hammered for $3,500 at Christie's, New York Antiquities Auction (sale 2709, June 6, 2013, lot 654): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/ancient-art-antiquities/an-italo-corinthian-black-figured-alabastron-circa-mid-6th-5684804-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5684804&sid=29321445-3e99-4614-811a-d8faa741be33 This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase. Provenance: private Lewis collection, Florida, USA; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #136874