In the Classical Age, the mythical griffin was a
symbol of strength and nobility. With the beaked
head of an eagle, the body of a lion, and splendid
wings, it was often adopted as an emblem of
kings. The image of the griffin originated in the
Persian East and was exported to Greece along
the trade routes. It was particularly favored in
the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia, where it
adorned pottery, mosaics, jewelry, sculpture, and
tapestries. This exquisite vessel is decorated
with a griffin crouching as if preparing for flight.
To look upon it is to understand the boundless
limits of human imagination.
- (PF.0147)
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