Odysseus and the Sirens

Stamnos (Plural: Stamnoi)

Stamnos is a storage jar for liquids that was standardized during the red-figure period. It has a short, stout neck, a wide, flat rim, and a straight body that tapers to a base. Horizontal handles are attached to the widest part of the jar.

Odysseus and the Sirens by the Siren Painter (eponymous). Attic red-figured stamnos, c. 480-470 B.C. at the British Museum.

Heigth 14” ( 35cm)

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/greekartarchaeology/tp/GreekPottery.htm

 In Greek mythology, the Sirens were depicted as creatures with the heads of women and the bodies of birds. The Sirens lived on an island and lured unwary sailors to their rocky shores with their songs. They feature prominently in the tale of Ulysses/Odysseus and also of the Argonauts (you will recall that it is Orpheus who saves the Argonauts from the sirens by playing his own tune, whereas Ulysses takes a more direct approach--plugging his sailors' ears and having himself tied to the mast).

Reverse:

Eros, Pothos & Himeros, the three Erotes (love gods) wing their way over the sea bearing gifts: a hare, a sash and a flower wreath.