A Red Figure Oinochoe with a Woman's Face, Greek, Hellenistic Period, circa 330 B.C.E. -63 B.C.E.

This Red-Figure Oinochoe from the Hellenistic Period, circa 330 B.C.E.–63 B.C.E., is a stunning example of Greek pottery and artistry. The vessel, a uniquely styled wine jug, features a delicately painted surface with flowing, sensuous lines and a pensive portrait of a woman’s face rendered in elegant silhouette. The design reflects both beauty and purpose, combining functional form with artistic finesse.

The oinochoe’s wide, looping handle gracefully connects the vessel’s body to its neck, which opens into a creatively crafted mouth. This thoughtful design is both practical and aesthetic, allowing for ease of pouring while elevating the vessel’s visual elegance. Its colors remain remarkably well-preserved, with bold reds, bright whites, and crisp blacks, a testament to the exceptional skill of the nameless potter who crafted it.

Standing at 20 cm in height, the oinochoe evokes an intimate scene of ancient Greek life, where it would have been used to pour fine wine into equally ancient glasses, perhaps during a private gathering or symposium.

H. 20 cm

This artifact belongs to the Hellenistic Period (330 B.C.E.–63 B.C.E.), an era marked by the spread of Greek culture across the Mediterranean and Near East following the conquests of Alexander the Great. During this time, Greek pottery reached new levels of sophistication, blending naturalistic imagery with decorative elegance.

Crafted from pottery, the oinochoe’s surface showcases the red-figure technique, a style in which figures are left in the natural red clay color against a painted black background. This method allowed for intricate detailing and expressive forms, as seen in the delicate portrait and decorative patterns on this piece.

The Private Collection of the Baidun Family
Mahmoud Baidun (1920-1980) founded what would become Khader M Badiun and Sons Galleries in Jerusalem, Israel. As a young boy, Mahmoud would accompany archeologists, biblical scholars, and visiting delegations on excavation sites all over Jerusalem and other sites within the country. Earning the trust of scholars and archeologists alike, Mahmoud became an indispensable presence and guide to other visiting scholars. When Mr. Baidun entered the antiquities trade, he would be granted trade license under the British Mandate and from the Hashemite Kingdom. When Israel authorized the trade of antiquities, Mahmoud was issued one of the first antiquities licenses issued in the country. He would later forge close relationships with other merchants; slowly building a massive private collection that would go on to sell to political leaders, international museums, and private collectors globally.