Amphoriskos (flask) in the form of a bird-man, late 5th century B.C.; Classical
Greek, Attic
Terracotta; H. 7 in. (17.8 cm), W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Christos G. Bastis Gift, 1999 (1999.68)
Technical Glossary
Greek, Attic
Terracotta; H. 7 in. (17.8 cm), W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Christos G. Bastis Gift, 1999 (1999.68)
This extraordinary vase of a bird-man, of high technical quality, is unique among the examples of Attic black-glazed pottery known today. It almost certainly relates to Aristophanes' well-known comedy The Birds, first produced in 415/414 B.C., and may represent the costume that would have been worn by members of the chorus in the fifth century B.C.
Open full-size and alternate view(s)
Related Index Terms
Geography/Place
- • Ceramic, Europe
- • Ceramic, Europe, Balkan Peninsula (including Greece)
- • Vessel, Europe
- • Vessel, Europe, Balkan Peninsula (including Greece)
Material and Technique
Subject Matter/Theme
- • Literature and Literary Connections
- • Literature and Literary Connections, Greek Comedy and Tragedy
- • Theater
