Ancient Greece, Corinth, Proto-Corinthian/Etruscan-Corinthian, ca. 640 to 625 CE. A bichrome terracotta proto-Corinthian aryballos in the shape of a recumbent ram with long, slender legs tucked beneath its body. Such vessels representing either animals, humans, or mythological figures were quite popular in ancient Greece from approximately 650 to 550 BCE, and Corinth was the leading center of these so-called "plastic" vases. Rams were among the favored forms, and this example is a fabulous example with its curling horns, pointy muzzle, elegant position of repose, and its painstakingly applied decoration with countless chocolate brown hued dots arranged in perfectly aligned rows. The very narrow opening indicates that this piece was used to hold perfumed oil, as this design assures control over the flow of this precious liquid. A spectacular example, so early and so rare. Size: 5.25" L x 4.625" H (13.3 cm x 11.7 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private UK collection

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