Paestan Red-figure Fish Plate

Low stem. Broad foot with ring base and central concavity. Short, thick stem continues to a broad, shallow bowl. Central depression embellished with a raised ring. Wide, curved rim, downturned to vertical. Yellowish-buff fabric. Underside of vessel is un- or self-slipped. Central depression of bowl is surrounded by a worn black-figure wave pattern. Three red-figure marine creatures decorate floor of plate: a squid, octopus, and bream (see Trendall and McPhee 1987, 111), with a small spiral shell between the octopus and squid, and another shell (clam or scallop?) between the squid and bream. Squid and octopus with short tentacles. Bream with a characteristic line and dot pattern. Details added in white on the sea creatures and on their black-slipped background have largely faded, worn away, or deteriorated. Broad-leafed laurel on rim. Vessel is intact and in good condition.