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Oil flask (lekythos) in the form of a winged Persian dancer

Greek
Late Classical Period
4th century B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens

Medium/Technique Ceramic, Figural
Dimensions 22.6 cm (8 7/8 in.)
Credit Line Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number01.8103
ClassificationsVessels

DescriptionA winged woman dancing a special dance (the Greeks called it oklasma) associated with the cult of Dionysos. She kneels on her right knee on a spool base. She wears an eastern (also called Persian, "Oriental") costume with a tiara, tights from wrists to ankles, a belted chiton over the tights, shoes. She holds her hands above her head.
ProvenanceBy 1901: with E. P. Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in Munich 1901. It was lot 240 in the Helbing sale at Munich May 1899 & in the catalogue, which may perhaps be trusted in such a point, is said to come from Methana.); purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, December 1901