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Choice Greek Gnathian Olpe / Mug browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives:Regional Art:Ancient World:Greek:Pre AD 1000: item # 380010 Please refer to our stock # 2005007 when inquiring.
Janus Antiquities By Appointment New Jersey (330) 612-3957 Guest Book SOLD |
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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, which is seen in bloom as it wraps around the neck of the vessel between two red borders. Depending on its size, the olpe could be used as a small pitcher or a drinking cup similar to a modern mug. It was a very popular form of pottery, especially among the Corinthians, who produced them in great numbers. AGE: 4th Century B.C. CONDITION: Excellent, with no repairs. DIMENSIONS: 4.75" in height |
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