Black-figure Alabastron: Water Birds
650-630 BCE
Description
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.
Dimensions
6 cm (2 3/8 in.)
Provenance
From the collection of Herbert A. Cahn. Purchased at auction October 18, 2002. Jean-David Cahn AG, Auktion 3, 18 October 2002, Basel. Kunstwerke der Antike: Sammlung Tilly und Herbert A. Cahn. Lot 10.
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