Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Amphoriskos; Early 6th Century BCE; 5.53

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleAmphoriskos

About this objectThe amphoriskos ("small amphora") is a small jar with two handles, typically used for perfumes and oils. This vase is very close to Corinthian in style and shape. It is made of a similar clay as the pointed aryballos (JLMC 6.53) in the collection.

On this vase a frieze of animals runs around the body. A long-necked bird stands below one handle, behind an elongated panther. The panther faces a ram with his head down to graze. The surrounding spaces in the frieze are filled with rosettes. Details have been incised, similar to the Proto-Corinthian method that predated black-figure style. Red has been added to the animals and rosettes, adding depth and shape to the figures. Red has also been used for bands around the lower body and neck, and the zigzag and tongue patterns on the neck and shoulder.

During the Orientalising period, Etruscan artists incorporated many of the motifs of the Near East, often with a Greek influence. These included the use of plants and animals, often exotic or mythical. The more realistic portrayal of figures was a significant shift from the simpler geometric shapes of earlier styles.

Date MadeEarly 6th Century BCE

PeriodArchaic

Place MadeItaly

Medium and MaterialsCeramic: Pottery

Style and IconographyEtruscan

Style and IconographyOrientalising

TechniqueThrowing (pottery technique)

TechniqueIncising

TechniqueGlazing (coating process)

MeasurementsHeight 108mm; Diameter 69mm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Subject and Association KeywordsBirds in art

Subject and Association KeywordsCosmetics

Subject and Association KeywordsSocial life and customs

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by M.K. Steven, 1953.

Object TypeStorage Vessels

Object number5.53