Alabastron (container for scented oil)

Artist A painter related to the Columbus Painter and the Luxur Group (Greek)

Place of OriginGreece, Corinth

Dateabout 600 BCE

DimensionsH: 6 15/16 in. (17.6 cm); Max Diam: 4 in. (10.2 cm); Diam (rim): 2 9/32 in. (5.8 cm); Diam (base): 1 3/4 (4.4 cm).

MediumWheel-thrown, slip-decorated earthenware with incised details

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1971.135

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic

Label TextThe latter half of the seventh century BCE saw the rise of the “Orientalizing” Period in the Aegean world. The introduction and influence of styles and motifs from the Ancient Near East, namely Phoenicia, Egypt, and Syria, began to spread through the Mediterranean world. Artists began to shift away from the typical geometric patterns decorating their work as Eastern motifs such as flowers, mythological creatures, and animals came into fashion. This alabastron, used for containing oils and perfumes, is an example of this “orientalizing” of art with the panther stationed on the pedestal and the sphinx crouching with wings displayed.Published ReferencesLuckner, Kurt T., "Greek Vases: Shapes and Uses," Toledo Museum of Art Museum News, vol. 15, no. 3, 1972, p. 84, figs. 35-36.

Boulter, Cedric G., and Kurt T. Luckner, Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Toledo Museum of Art fasc. 2, U.S.A. fasc. 20, Mainz, 1984, pl. 73, nos. 5-8.