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Nice Greek Gnathian Oinochoe

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Directory: Archives:Regional Art:Ancient World:Greek: Pre AD 1000: Item # 178633


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Nice Greek Gnathian Oinochoe
The Greek system of inheritance that passed all wealth to the oldest son was the driving force behind hundreds of years of Greek colonization. Sons without inheritances were forced to seek their riches through trade and ingenuity, and Greek merchants spread across the Mediterranean in search of wealth. Some of the most successful colonies and trading posts sprang up in Magna Graecia, the pre-Roman name for Southern Italy. Among these were the colonies of Apulia, for whom the creation and export of pottery was a serious business. Accordingly, a variety of styles and motifs developed between rival colonies in an effort to appeal to mainland Greeks and foreign traders. Apulia is most famous for the red figure technique in which the figure is preserved in the natural red color of the clay, with details formed by painting in a black glaze background and drawing in the details. However, the colony of Ignazia took a different approach. Gnathian pottery is easily distinguished by its use of a thick black glaze with colorful red, yellow, and white overlays in contrast to the comparatively stark red figure pottery produced in neighboring towns. As on this piece, the most common motif for Gnathian pottery was that of the grape vine, with bunches and leaves extending down the length of the vessel.

This trefoil oinochoe is a common form of Greek pottery used as a pouring vessel. It is characterized by a triple pinched spout, loop handle and bulbous body.

AGE: Fourth century B.C.

CONDITION: Fantastic shape with no repairs or restoration to the paint. One stabilized hairline age crack on the rear.

DIMENSIONS: 6.5" tall


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