Apulian Red-Figure Kylix, 4th Century B.C
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An Apulian pottery stemless kylix, circa 350-300 B.C. The kylix or wine-drinking cup of traditional broad and shallow form with horizontal handles disposed symmetrically, decorated in red-figure to the tondo with a portrait profile, with remnants of a band of laurel below the rim on the interior, and a plain exterior, with label to the underside. Height 3.5 cm, length 19.5 cm, diameter: 13 cm
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- Kylix - A kylix is an ancient Greek pottery vessel, with a wide shallow cup usually with tow handles, on a stem with a foot. The interior of the cup, called the tondo provided an almost flat surface for painted decoration.
- Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
- Laurel Leaf - The use of the laurel leaf as a decorative element can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was closely associated with victory and honour. In these cultures, the laurel was a sacred tree that was dedicated to the god Apollo and was believed to have protective and healing properties.
In ancient Greece, the laurel wreath was awarded to victors in athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games, as a symbol of their achievement. The wreath was also associated with academic achievement, and was often worn by scholars and poets. The Greeks also used the laurel leaf as a symbol of victory in war, and it was often depicted in artwork alongside images of triumphant warriors and heroes.
The Romans continued this tradition, and the laurel wreath became a symbol of the highest military honor, the triumph, awarded to victorious generals. The wreath was also used to crown emperors and other important officials, and was often depicted in Roman art and architecture as a symbol of power and authority.
The laurel leaf is still used as a symbol of achievement, success, and excellence, and is frequently used in logos, emblems, and other branding materials. Its association with victory and honour has made it a popular choice for awards, medals, and other forms of recognition.
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