Aryballos (Container for Oil)

Description

Containers like this one were used to store precious oils. The flaring rim functioned as an applicator to spread the thick, scented oil over the skin; while the vessel itself was designed to fit comfortably in the user's hand.

Provenance

Theodore W. and Frances S. Robinson, Chicago, by 1931; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1941.

Aryballos (Container for Oil)

Ancient Eastern Mediterranean

late 6th-5th century BCE

Accession Number

43350

Medium

Glass, core-formed technique

Dimensions

7.1 × 5.6 × 5.6 cm (2 3/4 × 2 1/4 × 2 1/4 in.)

Classification

container

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Theodore W. and Frances S. Robinson