Mug (Oinochoe) with a Griffin

Artist Circle of the Patera and Baltimore Painters (Greek)

Place of OriginGreece, Southern Italy, Apulia

Date325-300 BCE

DimensionsH (to rim): 4 13/16 in. (12.3 cm); Diam (rim): 4 5/16 in. (11.0 cm); Diam (body): 4 9/16 in. (11.6 cm); Diam (foot): 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm)

MediumRed Figure; wheel-thrown, slip-decorated earthenware

ClassificationCeramics

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

Object number

1981.8

Not on View

DescriptionThis intact vessel is a single-handled mug (oinochoe, shape 8) with a wide mouth and profiled foot. The exterior is decorated in the red-figure technique with details in added white and dilute glaze. The primary scene on the body features a griffin facing left, with its forelegs raised in a pouncing stance. Flanking the central figure are elaborate floral ornaments consisting of spirals and motifs. A palmette is located beneath the handle, with a rosette, dots, and floral elements in the field. The neck is decorated with laurel leaves and berries facing left, while the shoulder displays a wave pattern. A reserved band separates the body from the foot. The underside of the foot is reserved and reddened, while the inner and outer faces are glazed.

Label TextThis small mug, decorated with a lively griffin, offers a glimpse into the mass production of pottery in ancient Apulia (southern Italy). The griffin—a mythical beast part lion, part eagle—was a popular guardian symbol often found on vessels placed in tombs. It was made in a busy workshop associated with the "Patera" and "Baltimore" painters, artists known for their ornate style. Interestingly, this object was "rediscovered" in the Museum’s own storage in 1981, having been acquired as a teaching tool in 1910 but never formally cataloged. Originally, it likely had a small lid topped with a handle in the shape of a female head.Published ReferencesBoulter, Cedric G., and Kurt T. Luckner, Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Toledo Museum of Art, fasc. 2, U.S.A., fasc. 20, Mainz, 1984, pl. 106, p. 24.

Comparative ReferencesSee also Johansen, K. Friss, Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Musée National Copenhagen, fasc. 6, Denmark, fasc. 6, Copenhagen, 1938, p. 206, pl. 265, nos. 2a, 2b.