Three Korai

Terracotta
Greek, probably Taranto, ca. 450 BC
H. 19.7cm; W. 17cm

A beautiful terracotta group of three standing korai wearing filmy garments (chitons) and heavier cloaks (himatia) that drape diagonally from the right shoulder. Each wears a high polos crown. Korai (young women) were common votive dedications in the Archaic and Classical world, particularly at sanctuaries of Demeter, Persephone, and Hera. To have a group of maidens, such as this example, is highly unusual, and evokes the ritual dances of marriageable young women in the Greek world.

Cf. Franz Winter: Die Typen der fig. Terrakotten, Berlin und Stuttgart 1903, Band III1.

Condition: Intact apart from the head of the kore in the center, which is a modern replica.

Provenance: Formerly Swiss private collection, 1990s

Item reference: CL0135