A Siren plastic vase

Terracotta
Easter Greek, Rhodes, ca. 530 BC
H. 13.1cm; L. 15.4cm

A mold-made terracotta vessel in shape of a Siren. The mythical creature has the body of a bird with spreading tail and folded wings and the head of a woman turned to the right. The facial features are rendered lively with the Siren’s mouth showing a hint of the so called “archaic smile”. Eastern Greek, possibly Rhodes, circa 530 BC.

Cf. R.A. Higgins, Terracottas in the British Museum (Oxford 1954) 52 f., Nr. 75-78; Pl. 16, 75-77.; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:East_Greek_plastic_vase_with_painted_siren_Wellcome_L0012751.jpg

Condition: Parts of the orifice and the bird’s tail are restored, otherwise very good and intact.

Provenance: ex. Swiss private collection of Dr. U. W., Biel

Item reference: CL0093