Ancient Greek Pottery Aryballos
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Aryballos
MATERIAL: Terracotta
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 6th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 58 mm x 55 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, Ex Spanish antiquities dealer (2022), Ex Belgian private collection, Brussels
The aryballos with a quatrefoil motif is a distinctive type of ancient Greek vessel that emerged during the Geometric and Orientalizing periods (circa 900–600 BCE). The term "aryballos" refers to a small, globular container used to store oils, perfumes, or other precious substances. The quatrefoil motif, characterized by a four-lobed or four-petal design, was a common decorative element on these vessels. Aryballoi with quatrefoil motifs were often crafted from terracotta and decorated using the black-figure or red-figure techniques, which involved selectively applying slip (a liquid mixture of clay and water) to create contrasting images.
The quatrefoil motif on these aryballoi was not merely decorative but held symbolic and cultural significance. The motif is reminiscent of floral patterns and was likely inspired by nature. The four-lobed design could represent various symbolic concepts such as symmetry, balance, or the four seasons. Additionally, in ancient Greek art, the use of geometric and floral motifs often carried deeper meanings related to religious beliefs, mythological narratives, or social customs.
These aryballoi were practical as well as ornamental, serving a utilitarian purpose in daily life. They were designed for the storage and transportation of oils and perfumes, making them valuable personal items. The small size and portability of aryballoi with quatrefoil motifs suggest that they may have been used in grooming rituals or as offerings in religious ceremonies.
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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Aryballos
MATERIAL: Terracotta
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 6th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 58 mm x 55 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, Ex Spanish antiquities dealer (2022), Ex Belgian private collection, Brussels
The aryballos with a quatrefoil motif is a distinctive type of ancient Greek vessel that emerged during the Geometric and Orientalizing periods (circa 900–600 BCE). The term "aryballos" refers to a small, globular container used to store oils, perfumes, or other precious substances. The quatrefoil motif, characterized by a four-lobed or four-petal design, was a common decorative element on these vessels. Aryballoi with quatrefoil motifs were often crafted from terracotta and decorated using the black-figure or red-figure techniques, which involved selectively applying slip (a liquid mixture of clay and water) to create contrasting images.
The quatrefoil motif on these aryballoi was not merely decorative but held symbolic and cultural significance. The motif is reminiscent of floral patterns and was likely inspired by nature. The four-lobed design could represent various symbolic concepts such as symmetry, balance, or the four seasons. Additionally, in ancient Greek art, the use of geometric and floral motifs often carried deeper meanings related to religious beliefs, mythological narratives, or social customs.
These aryballoi were practical as well as ornamental, serving a utilitarian purpose in daily life. They were designed for the storage and transportation of oils and perfumes, making them valuable personal items. The small size and portability of aryballoi with quatrefoil motifs suggest that they may have been used in grooming rituals or as offerings in religious ceremonies.
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.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Greek
Century/ Timeframe
6th Century B.C
Name of object
Aryballos
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
