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Terracotta two-handled vase

late 4th–early 3rd century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 162
This vase is a variant of the funnel-jar with relief plaques 06.1021.248. The underlying shape is comparable. The decoration here is even more sculptural, with the two handles in the form of Erotes; plaster copies replace the originals, which are lost. The magnificently tactile Medusa on the front of the body may well fulfill her time-honored function of guardian and averter of evil. A statuette once stood on the ledge between her wings.
Four such vases were in the burial. This one belongs with the same group as the loutrophoroi 06.1021.245 and 06.1021.249; the pyxis 06.1021.253a, b; and the funnel-jar 06.1021.248a, b.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta two-handled vase
  • Period: Early Hellenistic
  • Date: late 4th–early 3rd century BCE
  • Culture: Greek, South Italian, Apulian, Canosan
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: H. 30 3/4 in. (78.1 cm)
    diameter 17 5/16 in. (44 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1906
  • Object Number: 06.1021.246a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Terracotta askos in the form of a boar, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Campanian
Terracotta askos in the form of a boar
Greek, South Italian, Campanian
4th century BCE
Terracotta oinochoe (jug), Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta oinochoe (jug)
Greek, Attic
late 10th–early 9th century BCE
Terracotta oinochoe (jug), Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta oinochoe (jug)
Greek, Attic
mid-4th century BCE
Terracotta loutrophoros (ceremonial vase for water), Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta loutrophoros (ceremonial vase for water)
Greek, Attic
late 6th century BCE
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Princeton Group, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
Princeton Group
ca. 540–530 BCE

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