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Faience, H 2 1/4 inches

Aryballos in the Shape of a Hippalektryon

Greek, probably from Rhodes, 6th century B.C.

This small cosmetic container for oil or perfume is molded in the form of a mythical mixed being (horse-rooster) with foreparts of a horse and the body, legs, tail, and wings of a rooster. The art of working in faience was invented in Egypt and introduced to the Greek world. In the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. the island of Rhodes was home to a flourishing faience industry, producing perfume bottles (aryballoi) in various shapes, such as this fantastic animal.

Museum Purchase, Gift of the Elios Society Charitable Foundation through the Ancient Art Council

2010.15