Polychrome Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Deer and Lions (?)

c. 600–575 BC

Polychrome Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Deer and Lions (?), c. 600–575 BC. Etruscan (Etrusco-Corinthian), probably made at Vulci. Ceramic; overall: 30.6 cm (12 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Dr. Jacob Hirsch 1931.425 The animal frieze decorating the widest part of this round-bodied wine jug recalls black-figure pottery imported to Etruria from Greece (especially Corinth). The shape itself, with trefoil mouth and raised handle to facilitate pouring, also resembles Greek models, as do the simple tongues and rays above and below. But the polychromed animals—brightly painted with added white and reddish-purple—identify the vase as Etruscan, likely made at Vulci. The two deer seem to be grazing on stylized plants, unconcerned about the unusual animals pursuing them; these may be lions with horns and long tongues. Four animals encircle this jug—two grazing deer and two predators, perhaps lions.