Terracotta aryballos (perfume vase) 620 BC

This 620 BC terracotta aryballos (perfume vase) was created by the Sydney Cluster, a group of Greek potters known for their black-figure style. The vase is decorated with a scene of a lion attacking a bull, surrounded by geometric patterns. The Sydney Cluster was active in Athens during the late Geometric period, a time characterized by geometric and abstract patterns in black-figure pottery. This aryballos exemplifies the style, showcasing a clear transition from the Geometric Period towards the Archaic period in Greece.