The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History  
World MapsTimelines / RegionsThematic EssaysWorks of ArtIndex  
Lydion (perfume jar), 6th century B.C.
Greek, Lydian
Terracotta; H. 4 1/8 in. (10.43 cm)
Gift of The American Society for the Excavation of Sardis, 1926 (26.164.27)

This curiously shaped jar was probably used to contain baccaris, a perfume for which Sardis was noted in antiquity, and it is possible that the shape was a convenient trademark for the perfume. Great numbers of these jars have been found at Sardis, and seem to have been a specialty of Lydia. They are found at numerous sites in the Mediterranean, suggesting that their contents were widely exported.


Open full-size image



  • Related Timeline(s)

      Related Thematic Essay(s)

    • Sardis

    Lydion (perfume jar), 6th century B.C.
    Greek, Lydian
    Terracotta; H. 4 1/8 in. (10.43 cm)
    Gift of The American Society for the Excavation of Sardis, 1926 (26.164.27)