ITEM: Amphoriskos MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Greek PERIOD: 4th - 3rd Century B.C DIMENSIONS: 90 mm x 80 mm CONDITION: Good condition, repaired. Damaged at the mouth PROVENANCE: Ex Swedish private collection, I.K., acquired between 1955 - 1975 The Greek amphoriskos—literally meaning "little amphora"—is a miniature version of the iconic two-handled storage vessel, typically measuring only a few inches in height. Unlike its larger, functional counterparts used for transporting bulk olive oil or wine, the amphoriskos was primarily a votive offering or a personal toiletry container. These small vessels were commonly used to hold precious perfumes, scented oils, or unguents. Because of their portability and size, they were frequently placed in tombs as grave goods, serving as a symbolic gesture of the deceased’s status or their need for personal grooming items in the afterlife. The production of these vessels spanned several centuries, evolving alongside the major styles of Greek pottery. Early examples, particularly those from the Corinthian period, were often crafted with vibrant black-figure techniques, featuring delicate scenes of animals, floral motifs, or mythological figures compressed onto a tiny surface. During the later Classical and Hellenistic periods, the production shifted toward more varied materials; while terracotta remained standard, master artisans also created amphoriskoi out of faience, glass, or precious metals. These luxury versions were highly prized, serving not just as containers, but as exquisite jewelry-like objects that signaled the wealth and refined taste of their owners. The aesthetic and functional legacy of the amphoriskos lies in the incredible precision required by the potters who crafted them. Creating a vessel that maintained the classic proportions of a full-sized amphora—complete with balanced handles and a neck designed for pouring—required a high degree of technical skill. Whether decorated with simple bands of color or complex, miniature narrative scenes, the amphoriskos represents a quintessential example of the Greek artisan’s commitment to aesthetic perfection at any scale. Today, these miniature masterpieces provide archaeologists with invaluable insights into ancient daily rituals, trade routes for exotic perfumes, and the intimate life of Greek society. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks