Cleveland Museum of Art

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

Date

c. 600–575 BCE

Medium

ceramic

Culture

Etruscan (Etrusco-Corinthian), probably made at Vulci

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.