A Corinthian black-figure buff coloured terracotta aryballos with a wide, flat rim. The globular body is decorated in black, red and white pigments with four hoplite warriors, each wielding spear and shield. On the shoulder concentrical circles and tongue decoration. The spout flat with a small opening and a short handle from the rim to the shoulder. On the base also concentrical circles.
Middle Corinthian: Circa 590-570 BC.
Condition: Complete and intact; rubbing in places to the decoration.
Height 7.5 cms (3 ins)
Provenance: Swiss priv. coll. P. B., Basel. Purchased from Willfried Heiber Ltd., Basel, Switzerland. Formerly in Swiss private collection Basel.
Compare Fig.14 item 2a-c, plate 8: Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum Finland.
The aryballos was primarily designed for holding and dispensing oils or perfumes, often for use by athletes in gyms or during bathing. It was common from the 7th to the 5th centuries BC. often with decorative motifs, such as geometric patterns, mythological scenes, or floral designs. They were convenient for hanging from the wrist or attaching to a belt, making them practical for individuals on the move. Their compact and elegant design has made them popular artifacts in archaeological collections.