EN
♡
Monkey-Shaped Aryballos (Oil Vessel) — East Greek, probably Milesian

Click image to view full screen

Written by: Isabella MoreauContributing Writer · Furniture & Decorative Arts
Antiquities · Catalogue no. 5492
East Greek, probably Milesian

Monkey-Shaped Aryballos (Oil Vessel)

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
Own a comparable work? Consign with us

✓ Authenticity guarantee · ✓ Specialist condition report · ✓ Insured worldwide shipping · ✓ Private-room viewing

Perfume flasks in the form of a monkey are numerous, but few are as well made and preserved as this one. The flask was worn suspended from the wrist by a cord. Its owner would take it to the communal baths and anoint himself with its contents afterward. Such flasks have been found throughout the Mediterranean and Egypt, but this vessel was likely made at a Greek settlement on the west coast of Asia Minor.

Artist / MakerEast Greek, probably Milesian
Datec. 580 BCE
Culture / OriginEast Greek, probably Milesian
Mediumceramic
DimensionsDiameter of mouth: 2 cm (13/16 in.); Overall: 9 cm (3 9/16 in.); Diameter of base: 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.)
DepartmentGreek and Roman Art
TypeCeramic
About the Artist

Full biography →

Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

Condition

A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.

Shipping & Collection

Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.

Buying at Matchless Pieces

Register, verify your identity, and bid online or in a private room. Buyer’s premium and taxes are shown before you confirm.

The Matchless Letter

Sale previews, new discoveries in illumination and miniature, and private-room invitations.