This is an elegant Apulian prochous, a smaller cousin of the oinochoe. It is decorated in six ornamental zones, the largest of which occupies the area of widest diameter of the vase and shows a central rosette, flanked by a frieze of laurels. Below and above are friezes with ovolo and spiral motifs.

Distinguished by its bulbous body and tall, bill-shaped spout, the prochous was most likely used to store and pour liquids like oil and wine. The prochous is a favorite shape in Apulia (modern-day Puglia) a region in south-eastern Italy which was colonized by Greek settlers who produced fine pottery, influenced and inspired by Classical Greek vases.

This prochous is an example of Gnathia ware, a product of 4th century Apulia. Gnathia ware is distinguished by its colorful decoration (both ornamental, as we see here, and figural) which was applied directly to the black-glaze on the surface of the vase.

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