Advanced Search 
Perfume flask (aryballos) in the shape of an eagle's head
Greek, East Greek
Archaic Period
600–550 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Rhodes
Medium/Technique
Ceramic
Dimensions
5.2 x 10.2 cm (2 1/16 x 4 in.)
Credit Line
John Michael Rodocanachi Fund
Accession Number53.177
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionThis vessel takes the form of an eagle’s head. The protruding mouth of the vessel is at the back, where the neck of the bird is cut flat. The eagle’s beak hooks over into a curve, and its underside is decorated with red paint. Dotted lines delineate the various parts of the beak. The eagle’s eye is painted on in black, and is further articulated by the triple black lines above that indicate a brow ridge. At top, a large stylized rosette decorates the vessel.
ProvenanceBy 1953: with Münzen und Medaillen A.G., Malzgasse 25, Basel, Switzerland (Münzen und Medallen auction 11, January 23-24, 1953, lot 313); purchased by MFA at the Münzen und Medaillen auction for $ 994.61; accessioned March 12, 1953