Terracotta Phiale in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Terracotta phiale (libation bowl)
Greek, South Italian, Apulian, 3rd century BC

Accession # 19.192.73

This distinctive type of phiale with twelve egg-shaped cavities and relief decoration on the rim derives from metal prototypes introduced to Greece from the East during the Archaic period. The Hellenistic form is attested in rare examples of silver. The numerous terracotta counterparts that survive are connected especially with Tarentum. Heads of orientals alternate with scrollwork along the outer edge.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.