Detail of a Terracotta Oinochoe Attributed to the Shuvalov Painter in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2011

Terracotta oinochoe: chous (jug)

Attributed to the Shuvalov Painter

Period: Classical

Date: ca. 420 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; red-figure

Dimensions: H. 5 1/4 in. (13.4 cm) diameter 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1908

Accession Number: 08.258.24

Description: Two boys at thymiaterion (incense burner)

The special shape of this oinochoe indicates that it had some connection with the Anthesteria, the celebration of the new wine in which children and the god Dionysos figured prominently. The youth at the left replaces the cover of the thymiaterion after filling it with incense; he needs to stand on tiptoe. His companion extends his hand to help if necessary. The oinochoe on the ground suggests that the depicted activity was accompanied by a libation and had particular significance.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/248096