Nikosthenic amphora

Nikosthenic amphora Louvre F111

Nikosthenic amphora is a type of ancient Greek pottery attributed to the potter Nikosthenes, who was active in Athens during the late 6th century BC. This distinctive form of amphora is characterized by its unique shape and decorative style, which set it apart from other contemporary pottery forms.

Description

The Nikosthenic amphora is notable for its elongated, narrow body, wide shoulders, and flaring mouth. The handles are typically horizontal and attached at the shoulder, giving the vessel a distinctive profile. The decoration on these amphorae often includes intricate black-figure scenes, which were a popular style in Athenian pottery during this period.

Historical Context

Nikosthenes was an innovative potter who is credited with creating this unique form of amphora. His workshop produced a variety of pottery, but the Nikosthenic amphora is one of the most recognizable due to its distinctive shape and decoration. These amphorae were primarily used for storage and transport of liquids such as wine and olive oil.

Artistic Significance

The Nikosthenic amphora is an important example of ancient Greek art and craftsmanship. The black-figure technique used in their decoration involves painting figures in a glossy black slip on the natural red clay of the vessel, then firing it to create a sharp contrast. This technique allowed for detailed and intricate designs, often depicting scenes from Greek mythology and daily life.

Distribution and Influence

Nikosthenic amphorae have been found in various archaeological sites across the Mediterranean, indicating their widespread use and popularity. They were particularly favored in Etruria, where many examples have been discovered, suggesting that they were exported from Athens to other regions.

See Also

• Ancient Greek pottery
• Black-figure pottery
• Nikosthenes
• Athenian pottery
• Etruscan civilization