Greek olpe

ITEM: Olpe
MATERIAL: Pottery, Xenon-ware
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 57 mm x 60 mm x 46 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

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.

Xenon Ware is a distinctive type of Greek pottery that emerged during the late Classical to early Hellenistic periods, around the 4th century BCE. Named after a potter or painter named Xenon, whose signature or name is associated with this style, Xenon Ware is characterized by its unique decorative elements, which combine black-figure and red-figure techniques with white-ground painting. The pottery often features delicate, figural scenes set against a light-colored or white background, with added colors such as red, yellow, and even gilded details. This sophisticated style marks a departure from the earlier, more straightforward techniques of Greek pottery, signaling a shift towards a more decorative and visually expressive aesthetic that suited the tastes of a refined clientele.

The designs on Xenon Ware typically depict scenes of daily life, mythology, and athletic events, often with an eye for intricate detail and a sense of elegance. These scenes are carefully composed and executed, with human figures, animals, and decorative patterns arranged harmoniously on the pottery surface. The themes of Xenon Ware reflect the interests and values of the Greek elite, who were the primary patrons of such fine pottery. Scenes from mythology, especially those involving the gods and heroes, were particularly popular, serving both as decoration and as a way to reinforce cultural narratives. In some cases, Xenon Ware also displays a playful quality, with decorative motifs that show animals or mythological creatures in relaxed, often whimsical poses, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the otherwise formal designs.

Xenon Ware was likely produced for a more exclusive market, as its complex techniques and delicate details required considerable skill and time to produce.