Ancient Greek Pottery

Red figure

Classical era (5th 4th)
Greek pottery in which the decoration is red on a black background.

Slip applied to background + with brush for details
Preferred > smooth flow, greater control of curves (toes)

Black figure

Common 7th 5th
Greek pottery in which the decoration is black on a red background

Slip painted on areas to be black
Details etched
Good for sharp + distinctive features]
But for details and curves

alabastron:
holding oil, especially perfume or massage oils.
narrow body with a rounded end, a narrow neck and a broad, splayed mouth.

amphora:
two handles and a long neck narrower than the body
They were used to transport and store various products, both liquid and dry.

krater:
A large vase used to mix wine and water.

hydria:
A water jar with 2 horizontal handles attached to the shoulder for lifting, and one on the back for pouring, or carrying when empty.

cantharos:
high swung handles which extend above the lip of the pot
drinking cup

lekythos:
storing oil, especially olive oil used for anointing the bodies of the dead.
narrow body and one handle attached to the neck of the vessel.

oinochoe:
A wine jug characterized by an S-shaped profile from head to foot.

psycter:
wine cooler
broad bulbous body, a tall cylindrical stem, a short neck, sometimes with handles for carrying and a lid that fit over the mouth.
stood in a krater of ice or snow or cool water

kylix:
wine-drinking cup
broad relatively shallow body raised on a stem with a foot and usually two horizontal handles.

stamnos:
A lidded storage jar for liquids.
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.

Skyphos:
drinking bowl