This aryballos is thought to have been made in Corinth, not Athens, in about 630 BC and is an example of Proto-Corinthian art, which is characterized by polychrome techniques, incision and black-figure techniques adopted from the Near East. Aryballoi are small spherical or globular flasks that once contained scented oils and were commonly used by ancient Greek athletes. During the 7th century BC, Corinth was a flourishing centre of trade and commerce with links to Cyprus, Asia Minor and the Levant and it specialized in the production and export of aryballos flasks across the ancient Mediterranean. Corinthian artists began to look to the Phoenicians and Assyrians for inspiration and this is reflected in the use of typically Near Eastern motifs, such as rosettes, wild animals, mythical creatures and narrative scenes, on Proto-Corinthian pottery.This little owl is just one of many beautiful works of art that were conceived during this period of cultural interchange