Terracotta lekythos (oil flask) 500 BC

This lekythos, a type of ancient Greek oil flask, is a fine example of black-figure pottery, a technique that flourished in Athens around 500 BC. The Class of Athens 581 artists painted the scene in black silhouette on a clay ground, using a white slip for detail. The scene is typical of the period, featuring a warrior battling a beast, likely from a mythological story. The lekythos' graceful shape and detailed artistry showcase the skill and craftsmanship of Athenian potters in the 6th century BC.