Lekythos in the Form of Sphinx
Late 5th century BC
Attica
Clay; h 21.5&amp;#160;cm
The Hermitage Museum
This vessel for perfumed oil, of Attic work, was found not far from Taman in 1869. This superb example of Greek art demonstrates a notable characteristic of art of the Classical period: the form of the rim, neck and handle is that of a lekythos, while the body is executed in the form of a Sphinx &ndash; a mythological creature with a lion&amp;#8217;s body, bird&amp;#8217;s wings, and a woman&amp;#8217;s head, with fine facial features and a magnificent head of curly hair.