View allAll Photos Tagged ancientartifact
Aryballos (Oil bottle) depicting a winged deity and winged panther, Pottery, Greek, Corithian, 7th - 6th Century B.C, 180 mm x 170 mm diameter
A Corinthian aryballos is a type of small, round ceramic container used primarily for holding perfume or oils in ancient Greece, particularly during the Archaic period (circa 700–500 BCE). Known for its distinctive shape, the aryballos typically had a narrow neck, a rounded body, and a small handle. These vessels were often crafted in the Corinthian style, characterized by rich decoration and fine craftsmanship. Corinthian pottery was highly regarded throughout the ancient Mediterranean, and the aryballos was commonly used by athletes in the gymnasium to store olive oil or scented oils for body care. The use of such vessels was part of a wider tradition in which the Greeks sought to maintain personal hygiene and enhance physical fitness, making the aryballos both practical and symbolic of elite lifestyles.
The decoration on the Corinthian aryballos often featured intricate patterns, floral motifs, and animal scenes, which were painted in black-figure technique, where figures were drawn in black against a natural red clay background. The aryballos depicting a winged deity and a panther is particularly striking, as it combines elements of mythology and nature. The winged deity, likely representing a god or a divine messenger, could be Nike, the goddess of victory, or Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. The presence of the panther, a creature often associated with the god Dionysus, indicates the religious or symbolic importance of the imagery. Panthers, in Greek mythology, were commonly linked to divine figures, representing both strength and the untamed forces of nature, which would add a layer of mystical significance to the object.
This scene, combining the winged deity and panther, would likely have been a symbolic representation of divine power, suggesting themes of victory, protection, or the wildness of the natural world. In the context of the Greek world, such motifs often conveyed messages of favor from the gods, as well as the potential for spiritual or physical strength. The winged deity could be interpreted as a symbol of divine protection, while the panther embodies the untamable and powerful forces of nature. Together, the pairing of these figures may have conveyed a protective or celebratory function, aligning with the Greek desire to associate their possessions with higher powers.
The Corinthian aryballos with winged deity and panther imagery serves not only as a functional container but also as a piece of artistic expression and cultural identity. Corinthian pottery was highly valued for its sophisticated designs, and objects like this aryballos were often used in elite contexts, including rituals, athletic competitions, and personal adornment. Archaeological finds of such vessels, especially in regions such as Corinth and its colonies, shed light on the interplay between art, religion, and daily life in the ancient Greek world.
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #antiquity #art #artobject #ancientgreece #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #greek #pottery #vessel #aryballos #winged #deity #panther #oil
www.yourantiquarian.com/product/greek-aryballos-depicting...
Handle with tragic mask, Bronze, Roman, 1st - 2nd Century A.D, 195 mm x 95 mm
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #antiquity #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #art #artobject #ancientrome #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #roman
Available in our shop! :-) www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-handle-with-tragic-...
Aryballos depicting a rider with horse, Pottery, Greek, Corinthian, 7th Century B.C, 50 mm x 54 mm diameter
The Greek aryballos, particularly during the Corinthian period, stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of ancient Greek ceramic craftsmanship. An aryballos is a small, globular vessel designed for holding oil or perfumes, characterized by its narrow neck and rounded body. In the Corinthian period, spanning from the 7th to the mid-6th century BCE, Corinth emerged as a prominent center for pottery production, and the aryballos became a popular form of artistic expression within this context.
Corinthian aryballoi are renowned for their distinctive black-figure technique, wherein the figures and decorative elements are painted in black slip against the natural red clay background. The scenes depicted on these vessels often revolve around mythological narratives, such as battles, athletic competitions, or religious rituals. The intricate details and fine craftsmanship of Corinthian aryballoi reflect the technical mastery achieved by the potters of this era.
In the broader context of ancient Greek pottery, aryballoi served practical purposes, being used for storing and transporting oils for personal grooming or religious ceremonies. The vessels were often adorned with intricate patterns and intricate figural designs, showcasing the Greek artisans’ ability to seamlessly merge functionality with artistic expression.
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #antiquity #art #artobject #ancientgreece #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #greek #greece #pottery #vessel #rider #horse #aryballos #corinthian
www.yourantiquarian.com/product/greek-aryballos-depicting...
Behold the remarkable remains of a Roman base camp at the historic site of Masada in Israel. This captivating aerial view offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of this ancient fortress. Marvel at the strategic layout of the camp, revealing the ingenuity and military prowess of the Roman Empire. Explore the enduring legacy of Masada, where tales of courage and resilience echo through the ages. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this archaeological wonder.
Military helmet face guard fragment with shield ornament, Bronze, Roman, 3rd Century A.D, 130 mm x 110 mm
Roman military equipment is famous for its abundance of depictions rife with symbolical content. The so-called cavalry sports equipment, which used to be seen as being solely parade armour, can be distinguished from the infantry equipment not only by its function, but also by its design. There are numerous surviving heavily ornamented parts of Roman cavalry equipment and a number of studies have been published on their purpose and decoration. Whether the ornamented equipment belonged to parade armour or was also worn in battle is still under discussion. One of those groups contains the helmets, of which a relatively large number of different variations exist. Apart from the calotte with its neck guard, the loosely attached cheek pieces were also an essential part of the helmet. Cheek pieces as protective elements were used both for infantry and cavalry helmets. Although in some cases it is still difficult to attribute individual examples to the cavalry, due to the higher amount of remains we can be relatively certain that the majority of helmets did indeed belong to the cavalry.
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #antiquity #art #artobject #ancientrome #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #roman #military #legion #legionary #helmet #army #mask #face #bronze #arms #armour #cavalry
www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-military-helmet-fac...
Oil lamp with an antelope, Terracotta, Roman, 2nd - 3rd Century A.D, 105 mm x 80 mm
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #antiquity #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #art #artobject #ancientrome #roman www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-pottery-oil-lamp-wi...
Statuette of a Fat Lady, Pottery, Chinese, Tang Dynasty, 618 – 907 A.D, 303 mm x 110 mm x 83 mm, Good condition. Includes Thermoluminescence test by QED Laboratory (Reference: QED1211/FC-0204).
During the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE), China experienced a period of extraordinary cultural prosperity, artistic refinement, and cosmopolitan openness. The ceramic figures known today as Fat Ladies—portrayals of court women with full, rounded faces and voluptuous bodies—reflect both the ideals of beauty of the time and the sophistication of Tang funerary art. These sculptures, often found in elite tombs, were created as mingqi (spirit objects) intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife, ensuring comfort, elegance, and the continuation of social status beyond death.
The figures typically depict court attendants dressed in long flowing robes with layered garments, high-waisted skirts, and elaborate coiffures arranged in large chignons or wing-shaped buns. Their serene expressions, gently tilted heads, and subtle hand gestures convey grace and dignity. The robust physiques—so different from the slender forms admired in other periods—reflect the Tang aesthetic that associated fullness with beauty, wealth, and good fortune. This ideal was famously linked to the influence of the imperial concubine Yang Guifei, whose celebrated plumpness epitomized sensuality and refinement at the Tang court.
Technically, these sculptures were made of earthenware and often decorated with pigments or sancai (three-colored) lead glazes in amber, green, and cream tones. The use of such vivid glazes, combined with delicate modeling, created figures of striking realism and charm. Many examples show traces of painted cosmetics, such as red lips and rouged cheeks, further emphasizing their fashionable appearance and status as embodiments of worldly elegance.
Together, the Tang Fat Lady figures offer a vivid glimpse into the tastes, values, and daily life of the Tang elite.
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #antiquity #art #artobject #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #pottery #china #chinese #statuette #tang #asia #asiatic
Unguentarium, Glass, Roman, 1st - 3rd Century A.D, 70 mm x 35 mm
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #antiquity #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #art #artobject #ancientrome #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #roman #flask #bottle #unguentarium #glass www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-unguentarium-31/
Unguentarium, Glass, Roman, 1st - 3rd Century A.D, 102 mm x 28 mm
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #antiquity #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #art #artobject #ancientrome #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #roman #flask #bottle #glass #unguentarium
Available in our shop! :-) www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-unguentarium-24/
Neckale, restrung on modern thread, suitable for contemporary wear, Glass and stone beads, Roman, 1st - 3rd Century A.D, 400 mm
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #antiquity #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #art #artobject #ancientrome #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #roman #ancientjewelry #jewel #jewelry www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-neckale/
Berlin, Germany, July 24 2009, The Ishtar Gate stands majestically as visitors admire its intricate blue mosaics and rich history at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Bowl, Pottery, Iron Age, Cycladic, 1st Millenium B.C, 145 mm diameter
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #antiquity #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #art #artobject #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #ironage #pottery #vessel #bowl www.yourantiquarian.com/product/iron-age-bowl/
Plate with vegetal decoration, Terra Sigillata, Roman, 4th Century A.D, 200 mm diameter
#ancient #ancientart #ancienthistory #antiquity #artefact #artifact #ancientartifacts #antiquities #art #artobject #ancientrome #ancientworld #history #classical #archaeology #roman #pottery #vessel #plate www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-plate-with-vegetal-...