G51

Greek Cabirion ware oinochoe with comic scene

A Cabirion ware Black Figure pottery oinochoe decorated with a comic scene involving the god Dionysos seated in the centre and flanked by two maenads who are being approached respectively by a dancing satyr and an old naked man.

These intentionally humourous representations are linked to Middle Comedy and Phlyax vases, and are thought to represent farcical plays performed at the Cabiric mysteries.

Vases with these comic scenes are named after the Theban sanctuary of Kabirion where most of the vessels were found as offerings. Cabirion ware pottery is rare and consists almost entirely of drinking vessels; another oinochoe decorated only with vine tendrils may be found in the collection of Heidelberg University, Germany.

Greek, Boeotian, Cabirion ware, 4th Century BC; probably from the sanctuary of Kabirion, Thebes.

Surface worn as shown in the photographs, two surface chips to the rim.

Size: 17.5 x 10.8 cms

Ex. private collection, Sussex, UK.