Greco-roman Jar (4th Century Bc)

This black-glazed pottery jug comes from southern Italy and can be dated to around the 4th century BC.

The spherical body of this unique oinochoe rests on a ring-shaped foot and has a handle. This jug is particularly notable for its cast rim, which has been crafted in the shape of a trefoil. The term oinochoe originates in ancient Greece and is derived from the words oinos (wine) and cheo (to pour). An oinochoe, therefore, literally means a vessel for pouring wine. These types of jugs were frequently used at banquets and were often richly decorated. Oinochoe usually feature a vertically placed handle and a characteristic trefoil-shaped mouth. This jug also served a ritual purpose during libations, a drinking offering in which a liquid was poured as an offering to appease the gods. This jug comes from the Greek agricultural colonies of southern Italy, which had a strong influence on the development of Roman art. The Greek presence was so significant that the Romans called the region Magna Graecia or Greater Greece.