Description : 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
Price: 2 110.28 USDIt's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 3500 USD-5000.0 USDIt's free to register now to view!
About the lot N° 12 Title : Alabastron Size : 6.125 H (15] Condition report : 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. Artemis Gallery, auctioneer, Louisville, USIt's free to register now to view! Sale title : Ancient / Ethnographic From Around The World Sale date : 08 Nov 2018It's free to register now to view! Sale Reference : Live Sale