For your consideration is an Ancient Greek Decorated Chous Vessel ca. 400-100 BC. The small pottery pouring vessel sits on low ring base, with trefoil rim and attached strap handle behind, the bulbous body features a charming orange-red painted geometric and wave pattern design at front center. When Greek boys were 3 years old, they were given a chous, such as this example, filled with wine at Greek festivals like Anthesteria. They would be allowed to drink the wine to prove that they were on their way to becoming men. The chous was considered a toy pitcher for children, and is a tiny version of a olpe and oinochoe style pitchers. The Greeks used pottery vessels primarily to store, transport, and drink such liquids as wine and water. This piece is in good condition with some fading to the paint and along the rim and handle. It is believed to be circa 400-100 BC, and measures approximately 2 1/2" tall, and 1 1/2" wide across the body.