Ancient Greek, Archaic Period Terracotta Large Corinthian spherical aryballos with two Sirens and excellent provenance - 76 mm
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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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Large early Corinthian globular aryballos with two antithetical Sirens, ca. 620–590 BC; terracotta with black and purple decoration on a light ground, 76 × 68 × 68 mm; condition excellent with part of the mouth rim missing and surface painting partly worn, otherwise intact; provenance: acquired in 2026 from a German art dealer (Gorny & Mosch, Munich), previously Galerie Puhze (Freiburg) acquired 2001, earlier private collection in Guernsey.
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Description from the seller
Large Early Corinthian globular aryballos with antithetic sirens, circa 620–590 BC.
Large Corinthian globular aryballos of the Early Corinthian period, with figural painting and notably well-documented provenance.
The spherical vessel body has a short neck and the characteristic wide, flat mouth-rim, connected to the shoulder by a band handle. On a light clay ground the decoration is executed in black and purplish-red with fine incision.
The main zone depicts two sirens facing each other in antithetical perspective. The composite beings with a human head and bird body are part of the characteristic repertoire of Corinthian vase painting. Details of plumage and body drawing are emphasized by incision lines, while purplish-red color areas provide effective accents. Between and around the figures appear ornamental fills and rosettes. More painted ornaments adorn the back and the base of the vessel. The mouth-rim bears a concentric circle decoration.
Aryballoi were used in ancient Greece especially for storing fragrant oils and salves. The compact globular form and the broad mouth-rim are characteristic of Corinthian examples of this period.
Culture: Early Corinthian
Dating: ca. 620–590 BC
Material: Terracotta
Decoration: Black and purplish-red on a light clay ground, incisions
Measurements: 76 × 68 × 68 mm
Condition:
Part of the mouth-rim is missing, painting partially worn, otherwise intact
Provenance:
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade (Gorny & Mosch, Munich), previously owned by Galerie Puhze (Freiburg), acquired 2001 at Bonhams (London), previously in an old private collection in Guernsey, United Kingdom
Invoice and a copy of the Bonhams catalogue are available and will be provided to the buyer in copies.
Large Early Corinthian globular aryballos with antithetic sirens, circa 620–590 BC.
Large Corinthian globular aryballos of the Early Corinthian period, with figural painting and notably well-documented provenance.
The spherical vessel body has a short neck and the characteristic wide, flat mouth-rim, connected to the shoulder by a band handle. On a light clay ground the decoration is executed in black and purplish-red with fine incision.
The main zone depicts two sirens facing each other in antithetical perspective. The composite beings with a human head and bird body are part of the characteristic repertoire of Corinthian vase painting. Details of plumage and body drawing are emphasized by incision lines, while purplish-red color areas provide effective accents. Between and around the figures appear ornamental fills and rosettes. More painted ornaments adorn the back and the base of the vessel. The mouth-rim bears a concentric circle decoration.
Aryballoi were used in ancient Greece especially for storing fragrant oils and salves. The compact globular form and the broad mouth-rim are characteristic of Corinthian examples of this period.
Culture: Early Corinthian
Dating: ca. 620–590 BC
Material: Terracotta
Decoration: Black and purplish-red on a light clay ground, incisions
Measurements: 76 × 68 × 68 mm
Condition:
Part of the mouth-rim is missing, painting partially worn, otherwise intact
Provenance:
Acquired 2026 in the German art trade (Gorny & Mosch, Munich), previously owned by Galerie Puhze (Freiburg), acquired 2001 at Bonhams (London), previously in an old private collection in Guernsey, United Kingdom
Invoice and a copy of the Bonhams catalogue are available and will be provided to the buyer in copies.
Details
Culture
Ancient Greek, Archaic Period
Century/timeframe
620 - 590 v. Chr.
Name of object
Large Corinthian spherical aryballos with two Sirens and excellent provenance
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
76 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
2001
Width
68 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
68 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
