Marble Perfume Container in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Perfume Container
Unknown
Greek, 440 - 430 B.C.
Marble and pigment
9 1/16 x 5 1/2 in.
96.AA.103

An exaleiptron was used to hold perfumed oil, either as part of a woman's toilette or as a grave offering. This function is reflected in the shape of the vessel, which had a sharply inward-curving lip in order to prevent the precious oil from spilling. The form takes its name for the Greek verb meaning "to anoint." This vase is an unusual marble example of the form; most surviving examples are made of terracotta. These marble vases may have been luxury versions of the terracotta form, and this exaleiptron is one of the earliest marble examples known. This exaleiptron is composed of four separately-made elements: the stem, body, shoulder, and lid. Marble vessels were carved on lathes, and lathe marks are still visible on this vase on the underside of the body and the interior of the bowl. Marble vases were often brightly painted. Only a small area of paint survives on this vase--a bit of pink or red along one section of incised line on the shoulder.

Text from: www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=35589