Korinthische Aryballos

Art Grec
(650-625 v.Chr.)

In the 7th century, Corinth developed its own distinctive style of pottery production. In the preceding two centuries, the geometric style dictated by Athens had prevailed. The revival of trade with areas east of Greece gave rise to orientalized decoration, characterized by the use of plant and animal motifs. In the Late Proto-Corinthian period, potters and decorators specialized in the production of small aryballoi, small bottles for oil or perfume, which were easy to export. The basic shape of the owl, a symbol of the goddess Pallas Athena, was created in a mold. The stylized decoration demonstrates great craftsmanship and a sense of expression. A cord can be threaded through the hole in the owl’s base, allowing the bottle to be hung. It could also be worn around the wrist in the bathhouse.

Dimensions: height approx. 5 centimeters