Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Alabastron; Early 6th Century BCE; 77.68

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleAlabastron

About this objectThe alabastron takes its name from the stone alabaster, which was commonly used in Egypt to make these small perfume vials. The somewhat cylindrical, rounded shape was designed to be easily held and carried in one hand. The small lug-handle is pierced to allow a strap to be looped through which could be tied around the wrist or neck to keep hands free.

Made of pale, buff clay, the decoration on this alabastron is simple yet effective. The horizontal bands emphasise the curve of the body and the rounded base, and the tongues radiating out from the neck add contrast to extend the shape. The circular bands are continued on the upper face of the disc-like mouth, which is a similar shape to an aryballos. This style of mouth with a narrow opening makes it easier to control the flow of perfume or oil from the vase and can help protect from spilling while being carried.

Date MadeEarly 6th Century BCE

PeriodArchaic

Place MadeItaly

Place NotesEtruria

Medium and MaterialsCeramic: Pottery

Style and IconographyEtruscan

Style and IconographyOrientalising

TechniqueThrowing (pottery technique)

TechniqueGlazing (coating process)

MeasurementsHeight 75mm; Diameter 44mm

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 Mrs Broadhead, 1968. From the collection of Professor H.D. Broadhead.

Object TypeContainers

Object number77.68