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Ruth Garrido Vila

ITEM: Olpe
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 98 mm x 105 mm x 98 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex Lakythos S.A.R.L (1987), Ex Galerie Hydra, Geneva, Switzerland (1984)

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license

If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks.

The Greek olpe is a type of ceramic vessel used primarily for storing and pouring liquids, such as water, wine, and oil. Characterized by its distinctive shape, the olpe typically features a rounded body, a narrow neck, and a single handle. This design made it practical for both domestic and ceremonial uses, as the shape facilitated easy pouring and handling. The olpe was a versatile vessel, used in everyday activities as well as in ritual contexts, reflecting its importance in ancient Greek life.

One of the notable aspects of the olpe is its decoration. Greek artisans often adorned these vessels with intricate patterns and motifs, employing techniques such as black-figure or red-figure painting. In black-figure pottery, designs were painted in a slip that turned black during firing, while the natural red of the clay formed the background. The red-figure technique involved painting the background black while leaving the figures in red. Decorations on olpes could include geometric patterns, floral designs, or scenes from mythology and daily life. These artistic element

Archaeology

Ancient Greek Pottery Olpe

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Material

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Period

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1st Chinese domination (111 BC–40 AD)

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Cretaceous, Lower (145 - 100.5 million years)

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Ancient Greek Pottery Olpe

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