ITEM: Oinochoe
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 120 mm x 78 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, J.H.E. Demangeon, 1904 - 1992, acquired in 1989 from M. Demangeon

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Greek jugs, known in ancient Greece as oinochoai (wine-pourers), were essential ceramic vessels used primarily for storing and pouring liquids, most commonly wine, water, or oil. These jugs typically feature a rounded body, a narrow neck, and a handle that made them practical for both pouring and holding. Their shape varied, but the general design was optimized for ease of use and functionality. The narrow neck helped control the flow of the liquid, while the handle provided a secure grip, facilitating the transfer of liquid from the jug to other vessels or directly into cups.

The decoration of Greek jugs varied widely, reflecting the artistic styles and cultural values of different periods. Many jugs were adorned with intricate patterns, including geometric designs, mythological scenes, or representations of everyday life. The decoration techniques included black-figure and red-figure painting, which allowed for detailed and vibrant imagery. In the black-figure technique, figures and patterns were painted in a slip that turned black during firing, leaving the background in the natural red of the clay. In contrast, the red-figure technique involved leaving the figures in red while painting the background black. These decorative choices were not only aesthetically pleasing but also conveyed cultural and symbolic meanings.

Archaeological evidence of Greek jugs from various sites, including domestic homes, public gatherings, and funerary contexts, illustrates their widespread use and significance. In domestic settings, jugs were integral to daily life, used for serving and storing essential liquids. In public and ceremonial contexts, they played a role in communal feasts and religious rituals. Their presence in grave goods indicates their value and the importance of their role in both everyday and ritualistic activities.