3-047-548 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Exaleiptron, about 500 BC. Container for Scented Oil. Additional Info: A simple pattern around the mouth provides the only decoration on this Athenian exaleiptron. Most of the pottery produced in Athens was covered in black glaze only. This vase, is an example of a mishap in the firing process. Conditions were not right in the kiln, and the glaze has an almost greenish tint over most of the vase. Taking its name from the Greek verb meaning "to anoint," an exaleiptron was used to hold scented liquid. The curved shoulder of the vessel, with its deep overhanging lip, prevented the liquid from spilling.