Terracotta alabastron (perfume vase)

Unknown

ca. 520 BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

On the bottom, gorgoneion (head of Medusa) The alabastron is unusual in both its shape and decoration. The body is sack-like, widening distinctly toward the bottom, and the mouth is small and thick. The succession of ornaments ends in the tondo with a gorgoneion. This area of an alabastron is often specially decorated, suggesting that the objects hung freely or were handled rather than being immobilized in a stand.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 520 BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek, Attic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1941