East Greek, probably Milesian / c. 580 BCE
Heron-Shaped Figure Vase (Oil Vessel)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Heron-Shaped Figure Vase (Oil Vessel) as ceramic (East Greek, probably Milesian · c. 580 BCE).
An aryballos is a vessel that contained scented oils, this one in the shape of a heron.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as ceramic and credits Robertson's Group.
The museum's collection notes: In the 6th century BC, a particular type of vessel for scented oil was produced in Corinth, Rhodes, and along the western coast of Asia Minor. Primarily animal forms, they are made of unglazed fired clay with painted decoration. This example in the form of a heron was crafted by a Milesian potter. The bird rests with its delicately curving and counter-curving neck nearly touching the ground; the feathers are defined by incision and painted black slip.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtHeron-Shaped Figure Vase (Oil Vessel)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.