Corinthian Aryballos with a Majestic Lion
Corinthian Aryballos with a Majestic Lion
This aryballos is interesting since the various elements that compose it enable us both to determine the purpose of the vessel and its chronological classification.
6th century B.C.
H: 15.8 cm
Out of stock
Product Description
This aryballos with a flattened mouth, a round belly and a broad disk-shaped foot, is interesting since the various elements that compose it enable us both to determine the purpose of the vessel and its chronological classification.
Such vessels served to contain perfume or oil, and are often depicted in vase paintings being used by athletes in the bath or the gymnasium. They are also often found in tombs, as offerings to the deceased. This shape first appeared in Corinth around 700 B.C. and became very popular in other production centers. The variant with the broad disk-shaped foot is therefore probably later in date.
The animals characteristic of this form of vessels were lions, panthers, swans, owls, bulls, deer or roosters, etc. The decoration on our aryballos takes full advantage of the round belly provided by this type of vessel: palmettes and lotus buds unfold in a beautiful arrangement on the obverse side, while a majestic lion, its tail raised, its mouth slightly ajar and its back royally arched, is represented below the handle.
