Greek Artifacts > Greek Pottery

Ancient Greek Pottery

Background

Ancient Greek pottery is one of the most important sources of information about Greek life and culture. It provides valuable insights into the everyday activities, religious practices, and artistic achievements of the ancient Greeks. Greek pottery is notable for its variety of forms, decorative styles, and technological advancements. Here's a detailed exploration of ancient Greek pottery:

Historical Development

1. Early Bronze Age (circa 3000-2000 BCE)

   • Cycladic, Minoan, and Helladic Pottery: Early Greek pottery was utilitarian, with simple shapes and minimal decoration. Notable types include Cycladic frying pans and Early Minoan Vasiliki ware.

2. Middle Bronze Age (circa 2000-1600 BCE)

   • Minoan and Mycenaean Influence: Pottery from this period includes the finely decorated Kamares ware of Minoan Crete and the early stages of Mycenaean pottery.

3. Late Bronze Age (circa 1600-1100 BCE)

   • Mycenaean Pottery: Known for its fine quality and widespread distribution, Mycenaean pottery often features marine and geometric motifs.

4. Geometric Period (circa 900-700 BCE)

   • Geometric Style: Characterized by linear and geometric patterns, with human and animal figures appearing later. Notable examples include the Dipylon vases.

5. Orientalizing Period (circa 700-600 BCE)

   • Orientalizing Influence: Marked by the introduction of motifs from the Near East, including sphinxes, griffins, and floral patterns. This period saw the development of Proto-Attic and Corinthian pottery.

6. Archaic Period (circa 600-480 BCE)

   • Black-Figure Technique: Figures were painted in black slip on the natural red clay background, with details incised to reveal the underlying red. This technique allowed for detailed and dramatic scenes.
   • Notable Artists: Exekias and the Amasis Painter were prominent black-figure artists.

7. Classical Period (circa 480-323 BCE)

   • Red-Figure Technique: Developed around 530 BCE, this technique reversed the black-figure process, leaving figures in the natural red color of the clay while the background was painted black. This allowed for greater detail and realism.
   • Notable Artists: The Andokides Painter (credited with inventing the red-figure technique), the Berlin Painter, and the Kleophrades Painter.

8. Hellenistic Period (circa 323-31 BCE)

   • Continuing Styles: The red-figure technique continued to be popular, but pottery began to show more regional variations and a decline in quality compared to earlier periods.

Types and Functions

1. Amphorae

   • Description: Large storage jars with two handles, used for storing wine, oil, and other commodities.
   • Types: Panathenaic amphorae, used as prizes in the Panathenaic Games, often decorated with scenes of the games or deities.

2. Kraters

   • Description: Large mixing bowls used to mix wine and water at symposia (drinking parties).
   • Types: Bell krater, volute krater, and calyx krater.

3. Kylikes

   • Description: Shallow drinking cups with wide bowls and two horizontal handles.
   • Decoration: Often featured scenes related to drinking and symposia, including mythological themes.

4. Oinochoai

   • Description: Wine jugs with a trefoil mouth, used for pouring wine.
   • Decoration: Typically adorned with scenes of daily life, mythology, or floral motifs.

5. Lekythoi

   • Description: Tall, slender oil flasks used for storing and pouring oil, often associated with funerary practices.
   • Types: White-ground lekythoi, where the background was painted white and figures were added in black and other colors.

Decorative Techniques and Themes

1. Black-Figure Technique

   • Process: Figures painted in black slip, details incised, and additional colors added after firing.
   • Themes: Common themes included scenes from mythology, athletic competitions, and daily life.

2. Red-Figure Technique

   • Process: Figures left in the natural red color of the clay, details painted with a brush, and background filled in with black slip.
   • Themes: Allowed for more detailed and realistic depictions of the human body and complex scenes.

3. White-Ground Technique

   • Process: Background painted white, figures added in black and other colors.
   • Themes: Commonly used for funerary lekythoi, depicting scenes related to death and the afterlife.

Iconography and Themes

1. Mythology

   • Depictions: Gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythological creatures were common subjects, illustrating stories from Greek mythology.
   • Examples: Scenes of Heracles' labors, the Trojan War, and the adventures of Theseus.

2. Daily Life

   • Depictions: Scenes of everyday activities, such as banqueting, athletics, domestic chores, and rituals.
   • Examples: Women weaving, men at symposia, athletes training or competing.

3. Funerary and Ritual

   • Depictions: Scenes related to funerary practices, religious rituals, and offerings to the gods.
   • Examples: Funerary processions, libations, and sacrifices.

Conclusion

Ancient Greek pottery is a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Greeks, providing valuable insights into their daily lives, religious practices, and artistic development. From the geometric patterns of the early periods to the detailed narrative scenes of the black-figure and red-figure techniques, Greek pottery reflects the evolution of Greek art and society. These artifacts, whether found in tombs, sanctuaries, or domestic settings, continue to be studied and admired for their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance.

Sources

Artifacts