Ancient Greek Pottery Attic Black Glazed Cup c450BC

Description

Heading : Ancient greek pottery Attic black glazed cup

Material: Black glazed pottery

Period: Ancient Greek

Date: c450BC

Origin: Attica/Athens, Greece 

Condition: VF, slight cosmetic damage to glaze commensurate with age. 

Description: A pottery cup with black glossy glaze with a bulbous body gradually tapering to a short neck which flares to a rim. A handle is nicely proportioned and in good condition for age.

Size and Weight: 87mm x 92mm, 155g

Features and Provenance: Ex London established collection

This cup was probably used for drinking wine or water; as a ladle for food such as stew, or possibly as a measure for dry ingredients. Attic pottery was highly regarded in the ancient world for its exceptional quality and craftmanship and Athens was a major hub for ceramic production. The striking black glaze was durable, as can be attested by our example, and was highly prized throughout the Mediterranean. These items were wheel thrown and fixtures such as the handles were attached by clay slip before firing, the black glaze was a speciality slip glaze for this area and allowed for the pattern to be either scratched onto the surface or painted on later.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of pattern etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present, but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible