Bucchero is a class of ceramics produced in central Italy by the Etruscan population. The word Bucchero is derived from the Latin poculum, a drinking-vessel. Bucchero ware vessels display an intense, glossy black colour in both the clay and the surface. The black colour is not obtained by painting the vessel or by covering the vessel with a clay slip like their Attic counterparts. But is produced through a particular firing process which involves the absence of oxygen. The chemical transformation of oxidation, which was the cause behind the typical orange colour of the clay, was in this way prevented. The glossy surface on Bucchero wares was achieved by a burnishing or polishing. The appearance and the shape of Bucchero vases are very similar to those of the more expensive metal vases and therefore were a popular substitute: the glossy surface was specifically designed to imitate contemporary bronze vessels.
Etruscan Bucchero Ware Chalice
£ 500.00
An Etruscan Bucchero ware chalice featuring a high stemmed foot, flaring sharply at the base. The sides of the body slightly expand outwards to the wide mouth. The vessel is decorated with three horizontal, raised ridges encompassing the bowl, followed by an encircling rib at the top of the foot.
Provenance: Ex Collection A. L. and E. L., Munich, acquired in the 1950s-1960s, in Germany since before 1975.
Condition: Fine condition, several repairs to the body and minor chips to the raised ridges. Surface dulled due to age.
In stock
| Weight | 435.5 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | W 13.7 x H 15 cm |
| Culture | |
| Region | |
| Pottery and Porcelain |
