Late 19th Century Monumental Neoclassical Amphora Garden Urns - Set of 2

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A rare formed “ Amphora” pair of Neoclassical made made from dense terracotta or possibly sandstone boat these massive beautiful … Read more A rare formed “ Amphora” pair of Neoclassical made made from dense terracotta or possibly sandstone boat these massive beautiful patinated urns.

Previously from a major Connitticut home thus sold prior from a major NYC dealer.

It’s quite rare to have the “cylinder” form and most urns are more robust and wide.

Surrounded by Neoclassical motif and theme probably indicating a Greek Freeze , thus pertaining to the “ Amphora” form .

Ceramics of shapes and uses falling within the range of amphorae, with or without handles, are of prehistoric heritage across Eurasia, from the Caucasus to China. For example, the kvevri, common in the Republic of Georgia and the Caucasus, may be traced back to approximately 6000 BC. Amphorae dated to approximately 4800 BC have been found in Banpo, a Neolithic site of the Yangshao culture in China. Amphorae first appeared on the Phoenician coast at approximately 3500 BC.
In the Bronze and Iron Ages amphorae spread around the ancient Mediterranean world, being used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as the principal means for transporting and storing grapes, olive oil, wine, oil, olives, grain, fish, and other commodities. They were produced on an industrial scale until approximately the 7th century AD. Wooden and skin containers seem to have supplanted amphorae thereafter. See less