An Attic Black-figure Cup, attributed to the Group of Courting Cups, FP Class, circa 530-520 B.C.

with broad stemmed foot, each side painted with the figure of a tunic-clad youth on horseback riding to right and flanked by confronted nude companions, the horseman on one side giving his horse tight rein, a sash in the field of each scene, horizontal palmettes emerging from scrolling tendrils flanking the handles, the reserved tondo centering a black-edged hole pierced through to the foot of the cup, two smaller holes drilled through the stem, the details in added red and white.

Elie Borowski, Basel, prior to 1975
The Merrin Gallery, New York
Christos G. Bastis Collection, New York, acquired from the above in 1985 (Sotheby's, New York, Antiquities from the Collection of the late Christos G. Bastis Collection, December 9th, 1999, no. 87, illus.)

Michael Vickers, "A Dirty Trick Vase," American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 79, no. 3, July 1975, p. 282, pl. 50
Michael Vickers, "Another Dirty Trick Vase," American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 84, no. 2, April 1980, p. 183
Antiquities from the Collection of Christos G. Bastis (exhibition catalogue), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1987, no. 158, illus.

Repaired from multiple fragments with minor areas of restoration along the joints. 1 by 1 inch fragment restored along the lip affecting one of the palmettes and elbow of one of the gesturing figures.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Michael Vickers (op. cit., 1975) observes of the deliberate holes drilled in antiquity through the tondo and stem of this vase that "the larger one must have held a stopper, kept in position by means of a pin which passed through the smaller holes below. Imagine then a string attached to the pin, and a practical joker at the other end...".