Aryballos (oil container)

Skip to main content
Photograph by David Revette.
Aryballos (oil container)
Photograph by David Revette.
Artist/Maker
Datelate 7th century B.C.E.
MediumTerracotta with slip
DimensionsOverall (Height): 2 9/16 × 2 9/16 in. (6.5 × 6.5 cm) Rim (Diam.): 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm) Diameter (Max.): 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Edward S. Burgess, Class of 1879, H1904
Object number1929.11
On view
DescriptionDepicts a swan. "Aryballoi were used by athletes to hold oil that was rubbed onto the body before exercise or competition (Miller 2004, 14-15). They often appear hanging by a small strap from athlete's wrist in gymnasium scenes. In addition to this practical function, they were also a popular grave good and would have been a suitable votive offering in a hero sanctuary (Payne 1931, 290E). (SOURCE: The Walters Museum, Baltimore)"
Collections

Additional Details

Alternate Titles Oil container
Corinthian aryballos
Exhibition History 2024-2025
Clinton, NY. The Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Menagerie: Animals in Art from the Wellin Museum," September 7, 2024 –June 8, 2025 (no cat.).

2012
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Archive Hall: Art and Artifacts," October 6, 2012 (no cat.).

1987
Clinton, NY. Fred L. Emerson Gallery, Hamilton College. "Ancient Vases from the Hamilton College Collection and the J. Paul Getty Museum," March 14 - May 1, 1987 (cat. no. 6).

Provenance 1929: Hamilton College (James Library) by bequest of Edward S. Burgess
Published References ANCIENT VASES FROM THE HAMILTON COLLEGE COLLECTION AND THE J. PAUL GETTY MUSEUM (exh. cat. Clinton, NY: Fred L. Emerson Gallery, 1987), 17.
Photograph by Dave Revette.
Aryballos (oil container)
Unknown artist, Greek (Ancient)
Date: mid 6th century B.C.E.
Medium: Terracotta with slip
Object number: 1929.13
Photograph by David Revette.
Aryballos (oil container)
Unknown artist, Greek (Ancient)
Date: early 6th century B.C.E.
Medium: Terracotta with slip
Object number: 1929.10
Photograph by David Revette.
Aryballos (oil container)
Aphaia Warrior Painter
Date: c. 575-550 BCE
Medium: Terracotta with slip
Object number: 1929.12
Photograph by David Revette.
Aryballos
Unknown artist, Greek (Ancient)
Date: mid 6th century B.C.E.
Medium: Terracotta with slip
Object number: 1943.1
Photograph by Dave Revette.
Red-figure skyphos
Unknown artist, Greek (Ancient)
Date: mid 4th century B.C.E.
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1929.39
Photograph by Dave Revette.
Red-figure bail amphora
Unknown artist, Greek (Ancient)
Date: mid 4th century B.C.E.
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1929.40
Photograph by David Revette.
Red-figure bell krater (mixing vessel)
Unknown artist, Greek (Ancient)
Date: mid 4th century B.C.E.
Medium: Terracotta
Object number: 1929.43
Captain Moore, A Nantucket Whaler
Captain Moore, A Nantucket Whaler
Eastman Johnson
Date: c. 1870-87
Medium: Oil on canvas
Object number: 1989.21
© Roberto Lugo courtesy of Wexler Gallery. Image courtesy of the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum o…
First
Roberto Lugo
Date: 2020
Medium: Glazed ceramic and enamel paint
Object number: 2021.1a-b
Photo by John Bentham.
Bozdogan
Date: 18th century
Medium: Iron, brass
Object number: 2023.10.35
Our Rising Generation, from "Harper's Weekly"
Our Rising Generation, from "Harper's Weekly"
Thomas Nast
Date: published October 14, 1871
Medium: Wood engraving on newsprint
Object number: 2019.13.148
Photograph by John Bentham.
Olpe (pitcher)
The Rosoni Painter
Date: c. 570-550 BCE
Medium: Terracotta with slip
Object number: 1943.2