An olpe was a pouring vessel, characterised by its uninterrupted, featureless lip and smaller size. Its uses in antiquity most likely involved distribution of wine from larger vessels for mixing. Since around 600 BC, Etruscan potters developed the distinctive Bucchero style pottery, recognisable by its characteristic black appearance. As Greek pottery developed during the Archaic period, the influence of Greek forms can be seen in Bucchero-wares and by the fifth century the demand for Bucchero pottery was in decline due to the desirability of Greek red figure pottery, though throughout this time some influence of form originating from the Etruscan did occur. However, at about this time the development of Greek blackware occurred. Of similar appearance to the Bucchero style, though using a different technique, Greek blackware began from here into the Hellenistic period to replace the previously popular red figure pottery. Blackware pottery was immensely popular across the whole of Magna Graecia and mainland Greece.
Ancient Greek Etruscan Black-Glazed Terracotta Olpe
£ 500.00
A fine ancient Greek, Etruscan, terracotta juglet fully coated in a smooth black glaze. The vessel features an ovoid body atop a circular base. The neck of the body is encircled by four level grooves, leading upwards to a flared lip which features two incised rings. The loop handle is composed of two conjoined tubular strips, enhanced by a rectangular piece running perpendicular near the top, and meets at the lip of the vessel. The point of attachment to the lip features two extending triangular points.
NB: Width measurement for this piece includes both the handle and the body.
Provenance: European collection, acquired Paris 1990s.
Condition: Very good. Some scratches but the glaze and pot is overall well preserved.
In stock
| Weight | 265 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | W 11 x H 16.2 cm |
| Culture | |
| Pottery and Porcelain | |
| Region |
