Greek aryballos depicting a winged deity and a panther
ITEM Aryballos (Oil bottle) depicting a winged deity and winged panther MATERIAL Pottery CULTURE Greek, Corithian PERIOD 7th - 6th Century B.C DIMENSIONS 180 mm x 170 mm diameter CONDITION Good condition. Includes a certificate of search in the stolen works of art of Interpol database PROVENANCE Ex European private collection, Ex Arete - Galerie für antike Kunst (1984), Ex private collection, Ascona (1978), Ex private collection E.B.B. A Corinthian aryballos is a type of small, round ceramic container used primarily for holding perfume or oils in ancient Greece, particularly during the Archaic period (circa 700–500 BCE). Known for its distinctive shape, the aryballos typically had a narrow neck, a rounded body, and a small handle. These vessels were often crafted in the Corinthian style, characterized by rich decoration and fine craftsmanship. Corinthian pottery was highly regarded throughout the ancient Mediterranean, and the aryballos was commonly used by athletes in the gymnasium to store olive oil or scented oils for body care. The use of such vessels was part of a wider tradition in which the Greeks sought to maintain personal hygiene and enhance physical fitness, making the aryballos both practical and symbolic of elite lifestyles. The Read the full article
