At the height of the Classical age, this graceful little vessel perhaps contained precious oil or perfume. With ribbed body and trefoil spout, it makes a strong appeal both to they eye and the touch. As we hold it in our hands today, grasping its handle and running our fingers over its gentle contours, we echo the gestures of those who held it long ago. Who were those people? What did they think and feel? Across the barriers of time, we share something intimate with them, a mood, a sensation. As we lift the vessel gently to our nose, we can almost smell the perfume of flowers that bloomed long ago.