Fragment of a terracotta oinochoe (jug)
ca. 560–550 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
H. of a 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); length of b 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
East Greek, Milesian, Fikellura · Archaic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.365a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This fragment from a terracotta oinochoe, or wine jug, crafted by the Altenburg Painter around 560–550 BCE, offers a glimpse into East Greek artistry from the Milesian workshops of Fikellura. Hailing from the Archaic period, this black-figure vase exemplifies the vibrant pottery traditions of Miletus and the nearby islands, where potters and painters blended Eastern influences with Greek innovation. Measuring just 5 3/4 inches high and 3 1/2 inches long, the shard preserves dynamic scenes of mythical and real creatures—birds, griffins, sphinxes, deer, and lions—rendered with incised lines and ...