I am trying to find the origins of what appears to be an ancinet jug
of sorts. It is two handled, has blue painted swirls on it with a
gargoyle type face painted on the very top. The "word" Aacltos appears
in the center. Can anyone determine the origin or age of such a thing? |
Request for Question Clarification by
knowledge_seeker-ga
on
14 Jul 2003 07:07 PDT
Hi mopsey,
It would sure help if you could post a picture of your jug. If you
don't have your own website, try registering and uploading your image
at one of the following free sites, and then post the URL of the image
here.
<http://www.villagephotos.com> (limit 60,000 bytes per image)
<http://www.deviantart.com>
<http://www.usa-ezweb.com/ezfree>
<http://www.imagemagician.com> (2 week free trial period)
Make sure to photograph any markings on the jug, especially any
symbols or words that might appear on the bottom.
Also, include something in the picture that gives us an idea of the
size.
Thanks -
-K~
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Clarification of Question by
mopsey-ga
on
14 Jul 2003 09:17 PDT
Hello, thanks for your interest. I would be happy to send an email
attachment with various photos that I have taken, and prefer to do
that rather than your good suggestions (just easier for me with how
and when I answer emails at work and such). Is that acceptable? I have
been meaning to bring the jug in to Christies or Sothebys but have
such limited information to start with. My grandmother gave it to me
after she received it as a gift from her employer. Nana was head maid
at a Tuxedo Park estate. It has been in my family for well over 50
years, and I believe it is quite ancient. Let me know if there is an
email address I may send the photos to. Thanks again, Mopsey
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Request for Question Clarification by
knowledge_seeker-ga
on
14 Jul 2003 18:30 PDT
Hi again mopsey,
I'm afraid we aren't allowed to exchange emails here. It's against our
terms of service. You'll have to post the pictures on one of those
sites I gave you.
Your jug sounds quite intriguing. I'm sure if our researchers could
get a look at it, someone will be able to help you narrow down its
origin.
Thanks much,
-K~
|
Clarification of Question by
mopsey-ga
on
15 Jul 2003 16:03 PDT
I had only two poloroids here, but will have some more photos
developed. From what I think, it appears quite ancient, has a handle,
and a narrow upright spout. It is of a clay or glazed over pottery of
sorts. It may have been part of an estate sale, as the remains of a
sticker say 287 very small. It has cracks and appears to have been
repaired. The type of face painted just above the word "Aacltos" is
like a gargoyle/sinister like smile face, and at the bottom there is a
more innocent younger face of what I would say is an angel. When I
look at other antiques, and compare to the "feel" and appearance of
this one, I think Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, possibly Roman. Anyway,
the url to view the two phots I do have is:
http://hometown.aol.com/kimbo8867/myhomepage/photo.html
Thanks for your time!
|
Request for Question Clarification by
digsalot-ga
on
15 Jul 2003 18:54 PDT
I've handled quite a few antiquities in my day (retired Egyptologist).
There would be no way to tell for sure or give a definitive answer
without a hands on examination and even then lab work may be needed.
From the photos it looks like a 'romanticized' 19th century version of
a Minoan piece. The Victorian era was rife with "classic"
reproductions as living room and parlor decorative items. Roughly 90%
of the "antiquities" brought to art/archaeology/anthropology museums
for evaluation fall into that category.
I can suggest a list of antiquities dealers, appraisers, and museums
where you may get an evaluation. To try and give a definitive answer
based on a couple of photos would be like trying to talk through our
ears.
Please note, even if it is a 19th century piece, that does not mean it
has no value. Many Victorian pieces have a rarity and an avid
collector's market that could drive prices quite high.
Cheers
digsalot
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