A Roman Phallic Terracotta Juglet, ca. 1st - 2nd century CE

This small juglet with disc foot, rounded body, the flared rim with pronounced pouring spout has a single handle applied between rim and shoulder. It was used to store perfumed oils, presumably of an erotic or medicinal nature because applied to the rim are four phalloi and a further seven can be found around the shoulder of the vessel.  Constructed from a gritty light-red fabric, traces of a thin, reddish yellow slip can still be found, particularly around the shoulder area. 

Considered the ultimate, most powerful source of protection and good fortune, the presence of eleven phalloi makes a determined statement calculated to provide religious and curative powers to the vessels contents.

Moser, Claudia, (2006) "Naked Power: The Phallus as an Apotropaic Symbol in the Images and Texts of Roman Italy". Undergraduate Humanities Forum 2005-6: Word & Image. 11.

Slane, K., & Dickie, M. (1993). A Knidian Phallic Vase from Corinth. Hesperia: The Journal of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, 62(4), 483-505.

Condition: The vessel is intact and in excellent condition overall.

Dimensions: Height: 3 1/4 inches (8 cm)

Provenance: The Erotica Collection of Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacht, Zürich, Switzerland, since the late 1970s. Accompanied by Art Loss Certificate S00079732 15.10.2013