ITEM: Piriform aryballos depicting bands and running dogs
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek, Proto-Corinthian
PERIOD: 675 - 650 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 74 mm x 36 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, little hole, see pictures
PROVENANCE: Ex Swiss private collection, Dr. R.H., acquired in the Swiss art market in the 1980s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Proto-Corinthian piriform aryballoi depicting running dogs are captivating examples of ancient Greek pottery that offer insights into the artistic and cultural milieu of the early Archaic period. These vessels, typically crafted from clay and adorned with intricate painted designs, feature scenes of hunting or animal motifs, such as running dogs. The piriform aryballos, with its distinctive pear-shaped body and narrow neck, was commonly used for storing perfumed oils or other precious liquids in ancient Greece.

The depiction of running dogs on proto-Corinthian aryballoi suggests a connection to the world of hunting and outdoor pursuits, which held significant cultural and symbolic importance in ancient Greek society. Dogs were valued companions and skilled hunters in Greek culture, often portrayed in art and literature as faithful allies of heroes and gods. Scenes of running dogs on pottery may have served as visual representations of the hunt or as symbols of strength, agility, and loyalty.

Proto-Corinthian aryballoi with running dog motifs also showcase the artistic techniques and stylistic conventions of the time. The intricate designs were painted using a black-figure technique, where black pigment was applied to the clay surface using fine brushes or incised lines, creating detailed patterns and images against a reddish-orange background. These vessels were produced in workshops throughout the Greek world, with distinctive regional variations in style and iconography.