Alabastron

Corinthian alabastron (oil flask) of a tear shaped body, a thin and short neck with one side handle attached to the body and flat disc shaped rim. The main decoration is of lion with only its face represented realistic, the body very schematic and possibly squatting with its paws to the front. The mane of the lion, the eye and the lines around the mouth are in incision and dark red is used for part of its fur. In front of the lion and facing it stands a goose, its eye, beak and part of the back feathers incised. In between the two animals which are facing each other there is rodakas ( flower pattern). The base has pedals or leaves arranged around the centre of the base, the top of the rim also has a band of leaves. Cream and buff clay.