Ancient Greek

Large Early Corinthian globular aryballos with antithetic sirens, circa 620–590 BC. Large Corinthian globular aryballos of the Early Corinthian period, with figural painting and notably well-documented provenance. The spherical vessel body has a short neck and the characteristic wide, flat mouth-rim, connected to the shoulder by a band handle. On a light clay ground the decoration is executed in black and purplish-red with fine incision. The main zone depicts two sirens facing each other in antithetical perspective. The composite beings with a human head and bird body are part of the characteristic repertoire of Corinthian vase painting. Details of plumage and body drawing are emphasized by incision lines, while purplish-red color areas provide effective accents. Between and around the figures appear ornamental fills and rosettes. More painted ornaments adorn the back and the base of the vessel. The mouth-rim bears a concentric circle decoration. Aryballoi were used in ancient Greece especially for storing fragrant oils and salves. The compact globular form and the broad mouth-rim are characteristic of Corinthian examples of this period. Culture: Early Corinthian Dating: ca. 620–590 BC Material: Terracotta Decoration: Black and purplish-red on a light clay ground, incisions Measurements: 76 × 68 × 68 mm Condition: Part of the mouth-rim is missing, painting partially worn, otherwise intact Provenance: Acquired 2026 in the German art trade (Gorny & Mosch, Munich), previously owned by Galerie Puhze (Freiburg), acquired 2001 at Bonhams (London), previously in an old private collection in Guernsey, United Kingdom Invoice and a copy of the Bonhams catalogue are available and will be provided to the buyer in copies.

Estimate:£423.61

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