Greece, Corinth, ca. 6th century BCE. An elegant polychrome pottery alabastron - used for holding perfumes and scented oils - with a characteristic piriform body that rises to a flat rim with an applied handle joining rim to neck, decorated on the side with a dramatic griffin presenting grand outspread wings and a profile head with an expressive visage comprised of a large eye and a wide open down-curved beak created via added brown and red pigments with incised details. The field is further adorned with stylized brown rosettes, the shoulder with a register of tongues followed by three linear bands, striated bands above and below the pictorial scene, and two concentric circles on the base. Size: 6.125" H (15.6 cm)

The griffin, half eagle and half lion, was a fierce symbol of divine power. The tradition of depicting this mythical creature was long lasting. We know of examples from ancient Egypt dating to ca. 3000 BCE - and the animal continued to appear in ancient Classical as well as Neoclassical art.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#140414

Expected surface wear with scuffs, abraded areas, and areas of pigment loss, though much of the painted program remains. Earthen and mineral deposits as well.