Aryballos in the form of a foot with shoe
Unknown Artist
4th century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
Other: 2 7/8 × 1 3/8 × 3 13/16 × 1 1/16 in. (7.3 × 3.6 × 9.7 × 2.6 cm)
Classification
Vases
Culture
Greek, Attic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1941
Accession Number
41.162.25
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the whimsical world of ancient Greek pottery with this charming *Aryballos in the form of a foot shoe*, crafted in Attic Greece during the 4th century BCE. Made of terracotta—a durable, fired clay favored for its versatility—this small vessel (just under 4 inches long) belongs to the class of vases known as aryballoi. These compact flasks were essential for holding perfumed oils or lotions, often used by athletes after workouts in the gymnasium or for daily grooming rituals, reflecting the Greeks' emphasis on physical beauty and hygiene. The artistic ingenuity shines in its playful,...