Geometric Likythos ( or lekythos ) - 750 BC

Height: 30 cm (11.8 in.) - featuring a traditional painting of Greek warriors using the ancient "black figure" technique (see description below).

*This is a hand-painted reproduction, individually signed by the artist.

Due to special handling requirements, please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Express delivery available upon request.

GREEK GEOMETRIC POTTERY
Geometrical art flourished in the 9th and 8th centuries BC. With the Early geometrical style (approximately 900-850 BC) one finds only abstract motifs, in what is called the “Black Dipylon” style, which is characterized by an extensive use of black varnish, with the Middle Geometrical (approx. 850-770 BC), figurative decoration makes its appearance (geometric-shaped human bodies in detail, soldiers holding shields, etc.), which first depicted bands of animals (horses, stags, goats, geese, etc) which alternate with the geometrical bands. In parallel, the decoration becomes complicated and becomes increasingly ornate; the painter feels reluctant to leave empty spaces and fills them with meanders or swastikas. This phase is named " horror vacui ", and lasts until the end of geometrical period. At the end of the period there appear representations of mythology - gods and goddesses portraying historical scenes, usually in groups and performing specific notable activities.

GREEK BLACK FIGURE POTTERY
The black-figure pottery ( 'μελανόμορφα, melanomorpha ) technique is a style of ancient Greek pottery painting in which the decoration appears as black silhouettes on a red background. The pale, iron-rich clay turned a reddish-orange color when fired, and then the design was sketched in outline and filled in using refined clay as paint. Details would be added with an engraving tool, scratching through the paint layer to the clay below. Originating in Corinth during the early 7th century BC, it was introduced into Attica about a generation later. Other notable black-figure potteries existed at Sparta, Athens, and in eastern Greece. The technique flourished until being practically replaced by the more advanced red-figure pottery technique in 530 BC, although later examples do exist.