Terracotta vase in the form of a phallus
Phallus vases are a rare and distinctive feature of Archaic Greek pottery. They were used to store perfumed oils, presumably of an erotic or medicinal nature. This vase is the product of an East Greek workshop, probably on Rhodes. Archaic Greek potters fashioned sculptural vases in a wide variety of shapes, including human heads, legs, and animals. This particular class reflects an element of playfulness recurrent throughout Greek art.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta vase in the form of a phallus
- Period: Archaic
- Date: ca. 550–500 BCE
- Culture: Greek
- Medium: Terracotta
- Dimensions: Overall: 4 1/2 x 4 x 3 1/2in. (11.4 x 10.2 x 8.9cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Classical Purchase Fund, 1999
- Object Number: 1999.78
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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