Vase Catalog Number: Philadelphia MS2464

Decoration:

Side A: symposion with three bearded men. Two men recline on couches on the left and right, while a third man in the center entertains them with a double flute which he plays with both hands. The musician faces toward the right and is wearing boots, a headband and a short garment which leaves his right shoulder and his genitals uncovered. The man on the left couch is leaning back on the pillow, resting on his left elbow while his right arm is held out to the left, fully extended. He turns his head to the right to talk to the man on the other couch. A kylix hangs on the wall over his feet. The man on the right faces left. He also leans back on his left elbow and gestures with his left hand as if talking. His right arm is extended to rest behind his raised right knee. Both men wear long cloaks and wreaths. A small table is placed beside each couch; the couches face toward the left, pillows on the right.

Side B: two youths and a boy. The scene involves three draped youths, apparently conversing. The youth on the left faces the two on the right, reaching toward them with his outstretched right arm. He wears a full cloak which leaves his right shoulder bare. The boy in the center faces the youth on the right. He is completely covered by his cloak, which is pulled up around his neck and which hides his hands. The youth on the right leans on a staff facing the boy, one arm akimbo. His cloak has been pulled up to partially cover his head.

Collection History:

The vase originally belonged to the Coleman Collection. It was later acquired by Davis and Harvey, from whom Mrs. Phoebe A. Hearst obtained it before giving it the University Museum, Philadelphia.

Condition:

The surface of the base is worn and pitted, especially on side B. The black glaze is better preserved than are the red portions of the vase.

Date Description:

The date is listed in the museum records as "early 5th c."

Other Bibliography:

Levi 1963, 55; Young 1963, 5; Beazley Addenda 2, 207.

(Kathleen Krattenmaker)