Protocorinthian (Early Black-Figure) Aryballos (Oil Flask): Animals
Unknown Artist
c. 650–640 BCE
Medium
ceramic
Dimensions
h. 13.7 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust
Accession Number
1915.532
About this artwork
Tongues encircle the rim, shoulder, and base of this small oil vessel, while two carefully incised bands of scales frame an animal frieze. Here, amid dot rosettes, are a bull, dog, and goat, all facing right, and a left-facing lion with head turned back. The black glaze has misfired red in many places, while added red enlivens numerous tongues, scales, and internal details.