Greece, Corinthian, ca. late 7th century BCE. A very large and highly decorated amphora from the Orientalizing period, with its body divided into horizontal registers separated by thick chocolate brown bands. The figural registers feature both real and mythical animals - perhaps harpies, sirens, and/or sphinxes - that were painted in black slip with their details incised and painted in russet reds and browns. The field is adorned by decorative rosettes with incised intersecting lines to delineate the petals. Interestingly, this Corinthian technique of silhouetted forms would eventually evolve into the black-figure technique of Athenian vase painting. Size: 12.5" in diameter x 20.5" H (31.8 cm x 52.1 cm)

According to the Walters Art Museum, "Corinth dominated the Mediterranean pottery industry from the second half of the seventh century BCE through the first half of the sixth century BCE. Corinthian ceramics were typically light yellow or white clay decorated with black, white, and red glazes. This style of pottery often uses Near Eastern, or "Orientalizing," motifs, depicting real and mythological animals in registers crowded with incised rosettes. While dot rosettes are typical of Proto-Corinthian ware, "ripe" Corinthian vessels of the late seventh and early six century BCE are characterized by their incised rosettes, using line to indicate the individual petals." (https://art.thewalters.org/detail/7078/early-corinthian-amphora-with-real-and-fantastic-animals/)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#141039

Repaired from multiple pieces with areas of possible repainting over the break lines. Visible adhesive over some break lines as well. Still, a remarkable example with fascinating painted animal frieze.