A Greek Geometric Amphora, Geometric Period, ca. 8th - 6th century BCE

This tall wide-mouthed amphora with applied double loop handled represents the fully developed Geometric style and illustrates the profoundly significant shift of focus from abstract design to figures Decorative bands fill the area above and below the main scene of two long-legged and open winged birds stand on the shoulder. Scattered vine patterns and other shapes fill the background of these scenes. Decorative bands, consisting of concentric ring bands, and lines, in red-brown paint, fill the area above and below the two main figural scenes.

Background: The roots of Classical Greece lie in the Geometric Period from 900 to 700 BC, a time of dramatic transformation that led to the establishment of primary Greek institutions. The Greek city-state (polis) was formed, the Greek alphabet was developed, and new opportunities for trade and colonization were realized in cities founded along the coast of Asia Minor, in southern Italy, and in Sicily. Geometric Greece experienced a cultural revival of its historical past through epic poetry and the visual arts. The eighth century BC was the time of Homer, whose epic poems describe the Greek campaign against Troy (the Iliad) and the subsequent adventures of Odysseus on his return to Ithaca (the Odyssey). 

Dimensions: Height: 15 1/2 inches (40 cm)

Condition: Complete and rejoined from approximately 30 original pieces in good condition overall. A very good example of early Greek pottery.

Provenance: Private NYC collection, acquired prior to 1970, and to present owner by inheritance.