An Etrusco-Corinthian terracotta 'plastic vase' in the form of a monkey and a Sicilian terracotta 'plastic vase' in the form of a mouse - Circa 5th Century B.C.

The animal depicted squatting, his knees drawn up in front and clasped with his hands, dots added in brown slip all over the body, the spout emanating from the top of the head, 3¾in (9.5cm) high, repaired, and a Sicilian terracotta 'plastic vase' in the form of a mouse with his forelegs raised to his mouth, the eyes and ears applied, with details of the fur added in umber slip, the main spout with strap handle, a smaller oblique spout on the left side, circa 5th-4th Century B.C., 3¾in (9.5cm) long, repaired with some restoration (2) - Estimate: £1,000 - 1,500

Provenance: Property of a private Dutch collector. The monkey alabastron formerly in the collection of M.D.J. Chesterman Esq. Both acquired at a London auction house circa 1975.

Published: For the monkey alabastron, cf. Sotheby's London, Antiquities, Islamic and Indian Art, Monday 14 July, 1975, lot 139

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Bonhams. Antiquities, 1 May 2008. New Bond Street