Greek Gnathian Blackware Cup. Ca. 350 BC.A pottery cup, crafted with precision and care by the skilled hands of ancient artisans. This cup boasts a hemispherical-shaped bowl, rising from a short, balustered foot. It is adorned with a rich black glaze that covers its smooth exterior, apart from the unglazed foot, which unveils rich terracotta color and adds depth and contrast to the piece. Atop the black glaze, a decorative register of red painted band flanked by yellow dotted lines adorns the upper part of the exterior, adding a striking visual element to this already stunning piece. Gnathian ware is a style of pottery that emerged in ancient Greece during the 4th century BCE and is known for its black-glazed surface and decorative style, which often includes relief decoration, added colors, and intricate details. Gnathian ware cups like this one were commonly used for drinking wine during symposia, a social and intellectual gathering of ancient Greece. These gatherings, often attended by wealthy aristocrats and intellectuals, were known for their wine drinking, intellectual discussions, and musical performances. Provenance: Property of a central London Gallery; formerly in a South English estate collection; acquired in the 1990s from Andre de Munter, Brussels, Belgium; previously in an old European collection. Size: 4 x 4 x 2 1/4 in. #1614 G4