A fine orange slipware pottery hemispherical bowl molded on the exterior with an elaborate relief decoration of palmette leaves alternating with stylized standing human figures and elongated amphorae, and a rosette in the center of the base. Center band of horizontal bars. Relief-decorated pottery became more popular than painted pottery during the Hellenistic period. The name Megarian was first given to this type of mold-made relief bowl in the late nineteenth century because some of the first known examples were said to have come from the city of Megara, a city-state that flourished during the fourth and the early third centuries BCE. It has since been demonstrated that bowls of this type, produced at several centers, originated in Athens in the third quarter of the third century BCE.Published: K. Hamma, ed., The Dechter Collection of Greek Vases, San Bernardino, 1989, no. 49. Exhibited: San Bernardino, California State University; and Art Galleries, California State University, Northridge, The Dechter Collection of Greek Vases, 5 May-2 June 1989 and 26 February-30 March 1990.Condition: Overall scattered surface deposits and root marks. A few small rim flakes and a stable hairline from the rim, a minor glaze flake near the base, otherwise intact, and in excellent condition overall.Dimensions: Diameter: 5 3/8 inches (13.65 cm)Provenance: The Hanita and Aaron Dechter Collection, Los Angeles, acquired before 1989. Ex. Christies, London, 7/11/1984, lot 257.
