VesselsGreek8th century BCE

Miniature Amphora with Tall Neck and Small Handles

c. 750 BCE

Description

Intact. Neck tall in proportion to body. Everted mouth in black, above three horizontal lines, then a reserved zone with a single line of dots. A second set of three horizontal lines lies above a second reserved zone filled with vertical black triangles like rays. Another set of three horizontal lines lies beneath this, expanding onto the shoulder. Beneath, a broader horizontal striple. Below this lie two parallel horizontal lines above the major zone of ornament on the body, from which two handles extend diagonally upward. This zone contains a central squarish panel on each side. A reserved zone of vertically placed dots separates two wide zones of short diagonal lines pointing toward the central row of dots. Each of these is framed by a set of two vertical lines. On either side of the central decorated panel and the adjacent handle is an eight-pointed star or rosette. One of these trails a wavy line like a stem. The outer edge of the base of each handle is emphasized by a thin diagonal line. The exteriors of the handles bear a single zone of vertical lines enclosed by single lines. A star or rosette resembling the others is painted on the base beneath each handle. A final set of three horizontal lines encloses this principal area of decoration on the bottom. The lowest part of the vase, including the ring foot, is painted solid black.

Classification

Vessels

Technique

Wheel-made

Medium

Terracotta; pale reddish clay with slip

Culture

Greek

Period

Geometric period, Late

Century

8th century BCE