Vases Black-figure Alabastron Black-figure Alabastron: Water Birds
Black-figure Alabastron: Water Birds

Black-figure Alabastron: Water Birds

Black-figure Alabastron · 650-630 BCE
Tiny, sack-shaped alabastron. Broad, rounded bottom with small inverted omphalos in center, curves outward and then inward as it moves toward the vessel's narrow neck. Rounded, beveled rim surrounds small mouth. Triangular handle with small, pierced opening.

Black-figure with additions in red and incised details. Stylized guilloche pattern on shoulder/neck. Main zone contains a procession of water fowl with plump bodies, long necks, and long, pointy beaks. Feathers rendered with incision. Dot rosettes fill space in at head and neck level of the birds. Birds walk on lowest zone, which consists of tongues alternating in red and black and outlined in white and black.

Pale buff fabric. Minor chipping on body; substantial flaking of slip.

Shape
Technique
Period
Orientalizing period
Date
650-630 BCE
Culture
Greek
Findspot
Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Corinth (Corinthia)
Museum
Harvard Art Museums
Accession Number
2002.285
Image Source
harvard
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)