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Perfume vase (aryballos) in the form of a head of a man, possibly an Egyptian
Greek, East Greek
Archaic Period
6th century B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Naukratis
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
4.6 cm (1 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1900
Accession Number03.835
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Fairbanks, Vases (MFA), no. 504.
DescriptionGlazed composition aryballos in the shape of the head of an African, with the conventional concave aryballos mouth, intended for the application of oil, and a strap handle behind. Glaze pale blue of a fine texture, with dark glaze in spots on iris of eyes, core not visible. Facial features well modelled, with oval eyes outlined with raised lines.Nose short with broad nostrils, and short mouth with broad lips Hair line clearly marked with a rounded downward curve over the forehead, and pushed back indentations at either side. No decoration visible on hair. Large ears which may have earrings fixed to lobes of ear. A well-conceived depiction of an African black, with features which can be paralleled in other faience objects of the same period.
ProvenanceBy 1903: with Edward Perry Warren; purchased by MFA from
Edward Perry Warren, March 24, 1903
Edward Perry Warren, March 24, 1903