An Apulian Hydria with Funerary Scene

A red-figure hydria in black-glazed terracotta, attributed to the Tarporley Painter. The broad, overhanging lip is decorated with a band of ovolo and black dots. The short neck is embellished with an ovolo band followed by a frieze of palmettes interspersed with dots, and a wave pattern at the base where the neck meets the shoulder. The concave shoulder is covered in radiating tongues, and from it rises a vertical strap handle that joins the neck. The ovoid body has two upward-tilting side handles. On side A, a red-figure scene depicts a nude youth holding a spear, facing a seated figure draped in a himation, who holds a large hydria; the seated figure rests against an Ionic column with a high base. Suspended ribbons fill the background. On side B, a symmetrical arrangement of palmettes flanked by scrolls extends between the handles. A meander frieze encircles the lower body above the black-glazed foot, which is bordered by two reserved bands.