Gnathian Ribbed Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Masks, Dancer, and Flute-Player

c. 300–275 BC

Gnathian Ribbed Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Masks, Dancer, and Flute-Player, c. 300–275 BC. South Italian, Apulian. Ceramic; overall: 46.4 cm (18 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund 1952.16 The ornate decoration of this grand vessel takes several forms. A mold-made male theater mask sits at the upper handle attachment, looking out over the rim. Below this, two chubby boys—a dancer and pipe-player—cavort on the neck, flanked by female masks. Farther down, a band of ivy leaves and berries on a red and yellow ribbon adorns the widest point of the vessel, with ribbing above and below. The ribbed lower body of this large jug likely emulates vessels made of precious metal.