ITEM: Trefoil oinochoe MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Greek PERIOD: 4th Century B.C DIMENSIONS: 170 mm x 100 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, K.M., acquired from a French private collection, F.M. The Greek trefoil oinochoe is a distinctive type of wine jug that was commonly used in ancient Greek society, particularly during the Archaic and Classical periods. The term "trefoil" refers to the shape of the jug’s handle, which has three distinct, rounded lobes, resembling a cloverleaf or trefoil. The oinochoe itself was a vessel designed for pouring liquids, specifically wine, and it typically featured a wide, rounded body that tapered towards the bottom, with a single handle and a spout for easy pouring. This design made the trefoil oinochoe both functional and visually striking, as it could hold a substantial amount of liquid while also allowing for controlled pouring, essential for social gatherings, symposia, and other communal events where wine was central to the experience. The trefoil oinochoe was often made of ceramic, though it was sometimes crafted from metal, especially for more prestigious versions. Ceramic examples were frequently decorated with a variety of motifs, ranging from geometric patterns to more complex scenes depicting daily life, mythological themes, or the gods and heroes of Greek legend. The black-figure and red-figure techniques, both popular during the Archaic and Classical periods, were commonly used to decorate the exterior of these jugs. The decorative elements on a trefoil oinochoe not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also conveyed cultural and religious messages, as the imagery often reflected the values, beliefs, and social practices of the time. For example, scenes of gods and goddesses or of feasting could highlight the connection between wine and the divine, reinforcing the ritualistic and celebratory roles that wine played in Greek culture. The Greek trefoil oinochoe was used in a variety of settings, particularly in social and religious contexts. In the domestic sphere, it was a common vessel used to pour wine at symposia, the elite drinking parties that were central to Greek social life. These events were both intellectual and social gatherings, where participants would engage in conversation, philosophical debate, and storytelling while drinking wine. The trefoil oinochoe’s distinctive design made it an iconic vessel for such occasions. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks.