Description
| ITEM | Aryballos (Oil bottle) depicting a winged deity and winged panther |
| MATERIAL | Pottery |
| CULTURE | Greek, Corithian |
| PERIOD | 7th – 6th Century B.C |
| DIMENSIONS | 180 mm x 170 mm diameter |
| CONDITION | Good condition. Includes a certificate of search in the stolen works of art of Interpol database |
| PROVENANCE | Ex European private collection, Ex Arete – Galerie für antike Kunst (1984), Ex private collection, Ascona (1978), Ex private collection E.B.B. |
A Corinthian aryballos is a type of small, round ceramic container used primarily for holding perfume or oils in ancient Greece, particularly during the Archaic period (circa 700–500 BCE). Known for its distinctive shape, the aryballos typically had a narrow neck, a rounded body, and a small handle. These vessels were often crafted in the Corinthian style, characterized by rich decoration and fine craftsmanship. Corinthian pottery was highly regarded throughout the ancient Mediterranean, and the aryballos was commonly used by athletes in the gymnasium to store olive oil or scented oils for body care. The use of such vessels was part of a wider tradition in which the Greeks sought to maintain personal hygiene and enhance physical fitness, making the aryballos both practical and symbolic of elite lifestyles.
The decoration on the Corinthian aryballos often featured intricate patterns, floral motifs, and animal scenes, which were painted in black-figure technique, where figures were drawn in black against a natural red clay background. The aryballos depicting a winged deity and a panther is particularly striking, as it combines elements of mythology and nature. The winged deity, likely representing a god or a divine messenger, could be Nike, the goddess of victory, or Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. The presence of the panther, a creature often associated with the god Dionysus, indicates the religious or symbolic importance of the imagery. Panthers, in Greek mythology, were commonly linked to divine figures, representing both strength and the untamed forces of nature, which would add a layer of mystical significance to the object.
This scene, combining the winged deity and panther, would likely have been a symbolic representation of divine power, suggesting themes of victory, protection, or the wildness of the natural world. In the context of the Greek world, such motifs often conveyed messages of favor from the gods, as well as the potential for spiritual or physical strength. The winged deity could be interpreted as a symbol of divine protection, while the panther embodies the untamable and powerful forces of nature. Together, the pairing of these figures may have conveyed a protective or celebratory function, aligning with the Greek desire to associate their possessions with higher powers.
The Corinthian aryballos with winged deity and panther imagery serves not only as a functional container but also as a piece of artistic expression and cultural identity. Corinthian pottery was highly valued for its sophisticated designs, and objects like this aryballos were often used in elite contexts, including rituals, athletic competitions, and personal adornment. Archaeological finds of such vessels, especially in regions such as Corinth and its colonies, shed light on the interplay between art, religion, and daily life in the ancient Greek world.
