Alabastron, perfume and ointment vessel, 480 BC, terracotta,
National Archaeological Museum Athens
On one side a young woman performing a fan dance.
dance. The opposite half shows a noble lady, over her chiton
over her chiton she wears an unattached coverlet with her hands peeping out.
hands are peeping out. An ear jewellery is indicated. Both women are
barefoot and wear a ribbon in their hair.
The elegant form of the alabastron, slightly bulbous at the bottom, tapering sharply at the top, with two
with two holding knobs below the neck and a wide pouring rim and ornamental bands attached horizontally and
bands horizontally and vertically, already suggest its function as a perfume flacon in
in a woman's hand.
A seal on the handle bears the inscription "MUSEUM COPY", reverse "HAND MADE IN GREECE".
