BG Archaic Hydria with ivy decoration

BG Archaic Hydria with ivy decorationFrom THETIS cabinet Black glazed hydria, Archaic period, ca. 520500 BCE. The hydria, a water vessel with three handlestwo horizontal for lifting and one vertical for pouringwas among the most characteristic shapes of Attic pottery. Usually decorated in the black figure technique with heroic or mythological scenes, this example presents a more minimalist interpretation, focusing on the harmony of form and glaze rather than narrative imagery. The

From THETIS cabinet

Black-glazed hydria, Archaic period, ca. 520–500 BCE.

The hydria, a water vessel with three handles—two horizontal for lifting and one vertical for pouring—was among the most characteristic shapes of Attic pottery. Usually decorated in the black-figure technique with heroic or mythological scenes, this example presents a more minimalist interpretation, focusing on the harmony of form and glaze rather than narrative imagery.

The surface is coated with a deep, lustrous black gloss, accented by a delicate purple-red ivy garland encircling the neck. This restrained decoration highlights the refined aesthetics of late Archaic Attic workshops, where mastery of controlled firing produced subtle variations of sheen and color.

Dimensions H : 40cm, max L: 35cm