An Etruscan Red-figured Volute Krater, circa 340-300 B.C.

with stepped foot and ornate volute handles with corkscrew ornaments molded in relief, one side painted with a youth wearing a chlamys leading his horse to a trough, a spear in his right hand, a nude warrior holding a shield advancing toward him from the left, wearing a crested Corinthian helmet, a sheathed sword hanging at his side, the reverse painted with a youth leaning against a column, wearing a tunic and pilos, and gesturing toward a warrior in full armor, a nude youth at right observing the scene and holding a spear and cloak(?), a frontal mask and bold voluted palmettes in the handle zones, black-figure scrolling ivy on the neck.

Joseph Klein (1899-1987), New York (Bonhams, San Francisco, October 29th, 2012, no. 1394, illus.)

Repaired from many fragments, and with areas of fill, as shown. The krater has been repaired and restored more than once, and the later interventions are poorly done. (The early interventions probably date to the 19th Century and are finely done). Larger areas of the lower part of Side B are restored (visible in photo), but except for the bottom of the column and part of a palmette, not in-painted. On Side A the lower part of the face of the central figure, his left shoulder, and wrist are re-painted. On side B the face of the figure at left is much worn. The top of one of the volute handles is mostly restored. The face beneath one of the handles, a twin to the one on the opposite side (shown on p. 4 of the catalogue) is affected by a repair with plaster fill.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Bonhams catalogue contains (p. 174) a short biography of Joseph Klein, who was born in Warsaw, lived later in Paris, and emigrated with his family to the United States in 1941. It notes that he frequented the New York auctions from the late 1940s, and that he also acquired objects in France while on vacation there.  

Under the foot are penciled numbers, as well as a fragmentary paper label reading “Amphore Etrusque de…” in what is probably a 19th century hand.

For the distinctive handles compare M. Martelli, La Ceramica degli Etruschi, Novara, 1987, p. 223, no. 172 (from Vulci, circa 330 B.C.).