GREEK/MINOAN/EGYPTIAN/Other Ancient


|COOKWARE|LAMPS|ROMAN|CELTIC/IRON AGE| BYZANTINE |TURKISH/IZNIK
|ITALIAN MAIOLICA|PAGAN|PAINTINGS|SCULPTURE/TILES/CUSTOM WORK| COOL LINKS
HOW IT'S DONE/Powerpoint Presentations|INFORMATION SHEETS: 1Terra Sigillata|2Maiolica Care/Info|3Using Oil Lamps|4Care of Water Bottles / CookwareCare|
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About this pottery: |
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Each piece is individually hand crafted from start to finish right here in our New Hampshire USA studio, and is an original work of art. All pieces are finished in engobe (refined clay slip) or Terra Sigillata . Some black parts are done in non-toxic glaze. All pieces are 100% food and wine safe. They are available with a beeswax coating on the inside, which makes them waterproof and stain resistant. Also, because the surface decoration is done in colored clay applied before firing, it is thus chemically bonded to each piece, and is permanent. For more detailed information on ceramic history and vase construction, please visit Victor Bryant's "Web Tutorials for Potters" website, where you will find a virtual timeline of information, complete with detailed color photographs on ancient pottery and techniques spanning from prehistoric to Roman. This is a must see for anyone interested in the history of pottery. Click HERE for more on time periods and surface decoration.
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We make movie props! (see below) These pieces (except for Mastos, foreground) were made for the 20th Century Fox movie Percy Jackson and the Olympians:The Lightning Thief starring Pierce Brosnan and Uma Thurman, released in February 2010.
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Please click on thumbnails for a larger view. |
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NEW! Satyr Amphora White-Ground Style Wine Serving Amphora 8.5 inches tall (21 cm) Holds 1 Liter Comes with cork Beeswaxed on inside, 100% food grade $450.00 Idea submitted by Ann W., USA
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Photo of Original Lesbian or perhaps Chian or Miletan amphora, date unknown. The original amphora is just shy of 18 inches tall. The amphora to the left (8.5 inches tall) is available decorated as in the above photo for the same price.
Both amphorae are available as Funerary Urns, and come with a plug with a knob rather than a cork. (Photo coming soon) |
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ARTEMIS Goddess of the Hunt Amphora White-Ground Style Wine Serving Amphora 8.5 inches tall (21 cm) Holds 1 Liter Comes with cork Beeswaxed on inside, 100% food grade $450.00 Idea submitted by Ed Lob, USA |
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Knucklebone Players Red-Figure Style Pyxis 3 inches tall(7 cm) x 3.5 inches diameter(8 cm) Dimensions do not include knob This piece was custom made for Ann W. of Virginia USA, and says in ancient Greek "PIXIS PANDORAS" or "Pandora's box" Inside is the word "ELPIS" meaning "HOPE". Inside is unglazed, but can be glazed or bees-waxed if desired free of charge The shine is from burnishing. Knob also available as on the original, (right). $500.00
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Photos of Originals
On the red-figured Attic vase (top) is shown two women playing the same game as above. This piece dates from about 425-400 BCE, has a cap, and it is known as a Pyxis. A "Pyxis" (plural "pyxides") is a cylindrical box used for salves and cosmetics as well as game pieces. The finial on the cap is in the shape of an "astragali" or knucklebone. On the back of this pyxis (second photo) is shown another image of two girls playing with astragali and an image of two girls playing a ball game, part of which can be seen in the image above. This pyxis is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. |
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Wedding of Thetis and Peleus Red-Figure Style Pyxis 2.5 inches tall(7 cm) x 3 inches diameter(8 cm) Dimensions do not include knob This piece was also custom made for Ann W. of Virginia USA, and says in ancient Greek "ALLOS PIXIS PANDORAS" or "Pandora's other box" Inside is the word "ELPIS" meaning "HOPE". Inside is unglazed, but can be glazed or bees-waxed if desired free of charge The shine is from burnishing. $475.00
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Photos of Originals Wedding of Thetis and Peleus. Attic red-figure pyxis, ca. 470–460 BCE., from Athens. Dimensions: H. 18.5 cm (7 ¼ in.), W. 13.4 cm (5 ¼ in.) Location Department of Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities in the Louvre Artist (above): Circle of Douris
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Black-Figure Oinochoe with Puti 7 inches tall(18 cm),8.25 inches (21 cm.) including handle) Holds 12 oz (350 mls) Bees-waxed on inside, 100% food grade $350.00
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Photo of Original Size:17 cm. H. ( 6 3/4" ) Puti from House of Vetii, Pompeii
79 ACE
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PLAQUES |
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NEW! Hephaestus, God of Technology, Blacksmiths, Craftsmen, Artisans and Volcanoes Self supporting plaque with 22 Carat Gold decoration 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) Perfect for altar or Sacred Space $150.00 Another wonderful idea submitted by Ann W., Virginia USA |
The inspiration for this plaque comes from a drawing by the artist Vasily Zikos. The plaque features Hephaestus on the front, and a quail on the back. Quails are thought to be sacred to the God Hephaestus. Handpainted, sturdy one-piece construction, done in terra sigillata and 22 Carat Gold Luster. The finish is fired on and permanent, and will not wash off. |
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"ADYTON" Handmade Wall Sign "Holiest of Holies, Do Not Enter" Perfect for your Sacred Space 12 inches long(30 cm),3 inches high (7 cm.) Comes with rawhide strip, ready to hang. $65.00 Another wonderful idea submitted by Ann W., Virginia USA
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From Wikipedia: The adyton (Greek: Άδυτον) or adytum (Latin) was a restricted area within the cella of a Greek or Roman temple. Its name meant "inaccessible" or "do not enter". The adyton was frequently a small area at the farthest end of the cella from the entrance: at Delphi it measured just nine by twelve feet. The adyton would often house the cult image of the god. Adyta were spaces reserved for oracles, priests or acolytes, and not for the general public. Adyta were found frequently associated with temples of Apollo, as at Bassae, Clarus, Delos and Delphi, although they were also said to have been natural phenomena (see the story of Nyx). In modern usage, the term is sometimes extended to similar spaces in other cultural contexts, as in Egyptian temple |
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ARYBALLOI
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| An aryballos
(Greek:
αρύβαλλος) was a small
spherical or globular flask with a narrow neck used in Ancient
Greece. It was used to contain perfume or oil, and is often depicted
in vase paintings as being used by athletes bathing. In these depictions,
the vessel is sometimes attached by a strap to the athlete's wrist, or is
hung by this strap from a peg on the wall.
The shape of the aryballos originally came from the oinochoe of the Geometric period of the 9th century BCE, a globe-shaped wine jar. By the Proto-Corinthian period of the following century, it had attained its definitive shape, going from spherical to ovoid to conical, and finally back to spherical. This definitive form has a wide, flat mouth, and a single small handle. Some later variations have bell-shaped mouths, a second handle, and/or a flat base. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryballos Thanks to Marc Auger of Canada for idea submission.
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ALL aryballoi come with a cork(see above), are beeswaxed on the inside, and are thus fully functional and watertight. Each piece is stone burnished to bring out the depth of the colors. |
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Calydonian Boar Hunt Aryballos 3 inches x 3 inches 7 cm x 7 cm $220.00 This piece is done in the White Ground Style, but can be done in Black Figure Style (right) for the same price. |
(Click to enlarge) Corinthian black-figured aryballos, ca. 580 BC. The Calydonian Boar, a monster in Greek mythology, killed in the Calydonian Hunt, a popular subject in classical art. King Oeneus of Calydon, an ancient city of west-central Greece north of the Gulf of Patras, held annual sacrifices to the gods. One year the king forgot to include Artemis in his offerings. Insulted, Artemis created the biggest, most ferocious boar imaginable, and unloosed it on Calydon. It rampaged throughout the countryside, forcing people to take refuge inside the city walls, where they began to starve. |
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Satyr Aryballos Style 1 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches 6 cm x 6 cm
Style 1 $120.00 |
This piece has an original surface
decoration inspired by other 6th c BCE Greek pieces. |
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Satyr Aryballos Style 2 Style 2 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches 6 cm x 6 cm $140.00
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This piece also has an original surface
decoration inspired by other 6th c BCE Greek pieces. |
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Owl Aryballos 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches 6 cm x 6 cm $120.00 |
Original Greece size unknown |
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Wide Multibanded Aryballos 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches 6 cm x 6 cm $120.00 |
Original Corinth, Greece Just under 2" tall x 2" across |
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Horse Aryballos 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches tall 6 cm x 7 cm tall $120.00 |
Original Corinth, Greece 600 BC - 550 BC Approx. 2.25" tall x 1.75" across |
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Squat Aryballos A Multi-banded, 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches 6 cm x 6 cm $120.00 |
(Click to enlarge) Original
(above),
6th Century B.C.E. |
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Squat Aryballos B Multi-banded, 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches 6 cm x 6 cm $120.00 Decoration will vary slightly as each piece is individually hand-painted.
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(same original piece as above,
click to enlarge) |
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NEW! Small Aryballos Multi-banded, 1.5 inches x 1.5 inches 4 cm x 4 cm $100.00
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ALABASTRA (more styles coming soon)
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Pasiades Alabastron 5.5 inches tall (14 cm) x 2 inches (5cm) diameter $220.00 This piece can be made smaller, (as in the original size) but the price will be the same. |
The alabastron (pl. alabastra) is a long-bodied vessel, with a wide flattened rim and a rounded bottom. Alabastra are usually handleless, although some examples have eyes or lugs by which thread could be attached. They seem to have been primarily used to hold perfumed oil by women after bathing.
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| KYLIXES
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(Click on Thumbnails below for Larger View) The beautiful and elegant Kylix is often seen as a triumph of the potter's art. Kylixes were used as drinking vessels for many centuries. Wine was mixed with water in a larger vessel, or krater, and ladled into the kylix. Large kylixes were used as communal drinking vessels, and often passed around during celebrations. Some of our work is inspired by the Minoan pottery of the what is known as the "Palace Period", which spans ca. 2100 BC to ca. 14oo BC, in particular, the "Marine Style", a style which is also found in sites all over the Eastern Mediterranean. This style is characterized by dark figures on a light background, and by detailed organic marine forms, such as squids, octopii, dolphins, and nautiluses against a backdrop of seaweed and coral reefs. NOTE: If you have a surface design in mind other than what is pictured, let us know, and we can work with you to create your vision. Click HERE for information page on surface decoration of ancient Classical Greek pottery. All kylixes can be sealed free of charge with beeswax on the inside, which will darken the design but prevent staining and make the piece waterproof.
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Mourning Athena/Hoplite Warriors Kylix
Available in black figure/red ground (below)or red figure/black ground styles.
Please click on thumbnails to enlarge view Shown here:/White Ground Style Kylix, 5th c BCE $1400.00 Surface decoration is done in terra sigillata (refined clay slip) and black glaze, and is permanent This is a true collector's item and art piece, much like what would have been in the home of nobility in ancient times, sure to impress your friends ... Idea submitted by John Keahey of Texas, USA (Click to enlarge) John doing a Greek Hoplite impression in front of a classroom
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Example of a White-ground
style kylix decorated with a unique representation of Apollo. The
god is seated on a stool, holds his lyre in his left hand and with his
right pours the libation from a bowl. Mourning Athena Chigi Vase (from Peter Connolly's book "Greece and Rome at War" 8.5 1nches (21 cm) diameter 5.5 inches (13cm) height The sources for the surface decoration are "Mourning Athena" a relief from the Greek Acropolis, now in the Athens Museum, about 460 BCE which has been copied inside the bowl, and from a 7th c BCE Corinthian vase found at Chigi, in Etruria (Etruscan Italy) along the outside. The soldiers are marching at "double time"- in step and on the attack; a typical strategy to overrun or smash into an oncoming enemy of equal strength.
To book John Keahey for a SCHOOLPRESENTATION ONLY: Contact Byron Williams at Young Audiences of Houston: For all other bookings, e-mail John directly.
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| Large Heracles Kylix 10" Diameter/ 26 cm (not including handles) $500.00
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(Translation from French coming, click to enlarge) Idea submitted by Mark Auger, CANADA |
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| Dionysos Kylix 8" Diameter/ 20 cm (not including handles) $400.00 Photo courtesy of John D. |
Idea submitted by John D. Virginia
USA As the god of wine,
Dionysus was often identified with his wine and symbolically "poured
out" for consumption by the gods. This generally occurred during
sacrificial rituals when wine was poured over the parts of the animal
being offered to the gods. In a way Dionysus was, then, made an offering
of to the gods along with the sacrificed animal.
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| Large
Octopus Kylix
$350.00 |
Large Kylix: The Ultimate "Party Bowl" 10" Diameter/ 25 cm (not including handles)
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| Reclining Satyr Kylix
6 " diameter, exclusive of handles $250.00 As you drink the wine, the satyr is slowly unveiled... Submitted by Ann W. Virginia USA This piece has been sealed on the inside with 100% food grade beeswax which makes it waterproof and stain resistant. |
Based on a
statue in the Louvre Museum, Paris, France Sleeping Satyr, copy made in Rome of the celebrated antique Barberini Faun, now in the Glyptothek of Munich. The statue was exhibited in public parks (Parc Monceau, Parc de Saint-Cloud, Luxembourg Gardens), thus the poor condition of the marble.
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| NEW! Artemis
Kylix
6 " diameter, exclusive of handles $150.00
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Museum Collection: Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts, Boston, USA |
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Kylix A 5" Ht x 7" Diameter (12 cm tall x 17.5 cm Diameter [not including handles]) Plain inside
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Kylix B 5" Ht x 7" Diameter c including handles]) Spirals inside
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| STYLE C $130.00 |
Kylix C 5" Ht x 7" Diameter (12 cm tall x 17.5 cm Diameter [not including handles]) Plain inside
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| STYLE D $145.00 |
Kylix D 4.5" Ht x 7" Diameter (12 cm tall x 17.5 cm Diameter [not including handles]) White Spirals inside
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| STYLE E Featured in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" Movie $130.00
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Deep Low-Footed Kylix E 4" Ht x 7"Diameter (10 cm x 17.5 cm diameter [not including handles])
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| STYLE F $135.00 |
Small Fish Kylix F 4" Ht x 6" Diameter (10 cm tall x 15 cm Diameter [not including handles])
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| GREEK HOPLITE KIT c. 6th c BCE | |||||||||||||
Greek Canteen, 4th-3rd c BCE, 7 inches (17 cm) diameter $125.00 Canteen holds approximately 14 oz. (450 ml.)
Kothon (military mug) 9th-8th c BCE 4.5 inches (11 cm) tall $45.00
Black Unguent Jar, includes cork $12.00 2 inches (5cm) tall
Michelle Hildebrandt's canteen showing her strapping idea (not included, click to enlarge view)
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Athanasios Porporis from Melbourne, Australia (below) in his Spartan Hoplite impression (click to enlarge) Athanasios' Spartan Hoplite reenactment group can be seen HERE:
Photos of Originals: Osprey's "The Greek Hoplite" and "The Spartan Army" Idea submitted by Michelle Hildebrandt, of Indiana, USA Michelle is also an Ancient Greek Hoplite Reenactor. Here she is shown doing a Spartan impression. |
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RHYTONS |
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approximately 10 inches tall (26 cm) $450.00 with handmade copper stand: add $60.00
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Attic red-figure ram-head rhyton, 400–375 BC Thanks to Ann W. for idea submission All pieces can be made with more or less decoration, and price varies acccordingly. E-mails will be gladly answered if you have any questions or ideas for a piece.
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| Dog's Head Rhyton $350.00 (click on thumbnails to enlarge)
Each vessel is an original hand-sculpted work of art, and will vary slightly one from the other. These are fully functional and 100% food safe. |
9 inches (24 cm ) tall This Apulian red-figure rhyton
(left) is
from a Greek colony in what is today southern Italy, ca. 350-300 B.C.
It is molded in the shape of the head of a dog, and on the cup, there
is a running satyr. The rhyton on the right is from about the same period.
The surface decoration on the reproduction (left) is taken from another rhyton of the same time period. Idea submitted by Michelle Hildebrandt, of Indiana, USA Michelle is also an Ancient Greek Hoplite Reenactor. Here she is shown doing a Spartan impression.
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| Greek
Hoplite Reenactors Using Kothon, Canteen, and oil lamps
(click to enlarge view)
Courtesy of Christian Cameron's group in CANADA
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PLATES These plates, 10 inches in diameter (25 cm) are based on the Greek White Ground style. They are entirely hand-painted and finished in terra sigillata (highly refined clay) ; the shine is from burnishing. 22 carat gold luster has been added and fired on to enhance the details. The finish is permanent, and will not wash off. Plates are ready to hang and include wire.
Pythia Hephaestus |
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NEW! Hephaestus
Plate,
10 inches (26 cm) Diameter $525.00 |
The inspiration for this plate comes from a drawing by Vasily Zikos. Hephaestus (Roman Vulcan) is the Greek God of Technology, Blacksmiths, Craftsmen, Artisans and Volcanoes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hephaestus |
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| Pythia
Plate, 10 inches (26 cm) Diameter
$525.00
Original piece by the Kodros painter, c. 440-430 B.C.E |
This Pythia is borrowed from the image by the Kodros painter, c440-430
BCE (below left).
A Pythia was a woman who was known for her powerful intuitive and prophetic abilities, much as a good psychic today. The most famous of the Greek Pythias was the Oracle at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. She sat on a tripod, which was said to be situated over a spring which emitted gasses. She would breathe in these vapors as well as those of burning laurel, and divine the future for any who wished to seek.
See Wikipedia article;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythia Thanks to Ann W. for submitting this idea. |
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Corinthian Lamp Copy: $65.00
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Original Lamp: Corinthian,7th c. BCE Shown above is a modern Greek reproduction upon which Styles A-F were based. The shine is from the oil in the lamp. The finish, which looked exactly like the photo on the left originally, darkened slightly from the oil. It also leaked when used. The Greek copy (above) was finished with paint, and sadly, the beautiful design you see here eventually burned off. Venetian Cat's version (left) is finished in permanenet terra sigillata just as in ancient times.. The design will last for the life of the lamp which is intended for actual use. This lamp is clear-glaze on the bottom and inside rendering it leak proof.
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Corinthian Chimera Dinner Set (Greek, 540-510 BCE) click to enlarge $350.00 Pieces also available separately (see below) |
Photo of Original Plate click to enlarge Idea submitted by Sal Cassanti of |
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| Corinthian
Chimera Plate (REPRODUCTION)
$150.00 |
Plate is
9.5 inches (24 cm) diameter All pieces are hand painted in colored terra sigillata and will not wash off 100% food safe |
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| Corinthian
Chimera Kylix (REPRODUCTION)
Kylix is 8 inches (20 cm) diameter $150.00 |
Photo of Original Kylix click to enlarge |
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| Corinthian
tumbler
Tumbler is 3 inches (7.5 cm) diameter and same in height $50.00 |
Photo of Original Tumbler click to enlarge |
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Check
out: Spartan
and Amazon Warriors Reenactment Group |
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| ROMANO-GREEK style Dinner Set
COMPLETE 3 Pc Set: $145.00
Surface decoration based on Ancient Greek motifs, pottery forms are Roman |
Click
to enlarge |
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Individually: Dragendorff Bowl:$65.00 Ludowici Tg Plate:$65.00 Cup:$30.00 |
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| Apollo Medallion 5 inches (13 cm) diameter $120.00 This medallion is an original bas-relief sculpture made from terra cotta, glazed to look like bronze highlighted with 24 carat gold luster. Your favorite Greek or Roman diety can be reproduced in this manner, e-mail us for details: info@venetiancat.com Idea submitted by Ann W. of Virginia USA |
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Attic Amphora Reproduction, 490 BCE This piece is made, stone-burnished and painted entirely by hand, just like the originals. Surface decoration done in highly refined clay slip, iron oxide and black glaze, and is permanent Obverse: young man swaying and playing the kithara Reverse: judge Vase is 9 inches (20 cm) tall $1000.00 Commissioned by Mrs. Priscilla Blue, Massachusetts, USA With Sincere Thanks
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Original Amphora, Greek, Attic, Red-Figure, c.490 BCE Attributed to the Berlin Painter Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts 56.171.38 This work is a masterpiece of Greek vase painting because it brings together many features of Athenian culture in an artistic expression of the highest quality. The shape itself is central to the effect. *
The identity of the singer is given by his instrument, the kithara, which was a type of lyre used in public performances, including recitations of epic poetry. The figure on the reverse is identified by his garb and wand. While the situation is probably a competition, the subject is the music itself. It transports the performer, determines his pose, and causes the cloth below the instrument to sway gently.** *This is a “Type C” Amphora as per Toby Shreiber, Athenian Vase Construction: A Potter’s Analysis ISBN 0-89236-465-3 ** From a card near the original vase in the Metropolitan Museum, New York
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| MASTOS CUPS ("mastos" in Greek means "breast") 5.5
inch (14 cm) diameter at the mouth
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Psiax Mastos $375.00 with handmade copper stand:add $50.00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Boeotian Decoration : $250.00
Photo of Original Boeotian Cup
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Solid satin black:$120.00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Plain (burnished, unglazed): $100.00 Plain,clear-glazed on inside: $110.00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Black Handles, nipple, and banding, no figures, orange body (not shown):$150.00 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please specify handle style: 1) Symmetrical (top right) 2) Asymmetrical(above) when ordering The "nipple" has small balls of clay inside so that the cup rattles. Thanks to Christian and Sarah Cameron of Toronto CANADA for this idea! Check out Chris Cameron's Amazing Website
Photo of original showing asymmetrical handles Reenactor drinking wine (Courtesy Christian Cameron) |
Black-figured
Mastos Cup with Young Woman playing the Pipes
Attributed to Psiax ( Above text and photos courtesy of Getty Museum, CA USA)
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GREEK/Black Figure Style Cup with Sacred Geese Design Cup is 3 inches (7.5 cm) diameter and same in height
$50.00 |
This cup is not based on any one design, but rather on the Black Figure style from the 6th century BCE, where black figures were painted on a red background and incised, allowing the clay's natural color to come through. Click HERE for more on time periods and surface decoration. Geese were considered sacred to Artemis, goddess of the hunt. The black parts of the cup are glazed and are 100% food and dishwasher safe. |
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Greek Phiale Mesomphalos (REPRODUCTION) (libation bowl with raised center) Finished in black semi-gloss glaze Bottom surface is concave to follow raised surface Late 4th c BC 24cm x 6cm $75.00
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Photo of original, late 4th c BC Used in Greco-Roman antiquity for poured offerings.Note the raised part in the center, or ‘omphalos,’ which means ‘navel.’ Why the raised center? Here is a possible explanation: "This is a visible effect created at the top of the vessel corresponding to the depression below, which was its intent and the practical purpose of the device on these ‘libation bowls.’ There is no symbolical meaning or value to the ‘omphalos’ here per se. The design of the phiale mesomphalos is purely pragmatic, although, as found in virtually all ancient Greek artifacts, even the purely practical was formed with a sense of style, elegance and beauty. Hence, in this particularly Hellenic-styled phiale, the ‘omphalos’ may be somewhat exaggerated beyond its purely practical function in the interest of its aesthetic appeal." (Above text graciously submitted by Tia Jonaitis of Ohio USA) A special thank you to Charles O'Donnell of New York USA for this idea...
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| The Minoan culture began circa 200o-2100 BC on the island of Crete which is located at the entrance of the Aegean Sea. Some of my work is inspired by the Minoan pottery of the what is known as the "Palace Period", which spans ca. 2100 BC to ca. 14oo BC, in particular, the "Marine Style", a style which is also found in sites all over the Eastern Mediterranean. This style is characterized by dark figures on a light background, and by detailed organic marine forms, such as squids, octopii, dolphins, and nautiluses against a backdrop of seaweed and coral reefs. The surface decoration on many of my pieces is inspired by original pieces as well as by the polychromatic colors that are seen in the restored section of the Palace of Knossos. Most of the forms are inspired by pieces of the Palace Period. The Kylix forms, (not the surface decoration) on the other hand, are copies of later Greek, or Attic forms dating from 610-390 BC. For more detailed information on ceramic history and vase construction, please visit Victor Bryant's "Web Tutorials for Potters" website, where you will find a virtual timeline of information, complete with detailed color photographs on ancient pottery and techniques spanning from prehistoric to Roman. This is a must see for anyone interested in the history of pottery. (Special thanks to Mr. Bryant for generously allowing me to use his palace photo below)
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(Click on Thumbnail for Larger View)
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| MN 1004 3 Dolphins Plate: Surface decoration is both incised and painted with engobe, which is a refined colored clay that is fired together with the piece. It is thus molecularly bonded, and will not burn or wash off. (see detail on right) Makes an elegant and original gift. Comes fitted with wire, ready to hang. 10 " (25 cm) Diameter
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SOURCE: View of Dolphin Fresco, Palace of Knossos, Crete, post 1700BC |
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$450.00
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"Marine Style" Vase: 10" tall (25 cm)
Classical Greek form with finely painted and incised surface decoration. Comes lined with 100% food grade beeswax and is fully watertight. |
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"Oinos" is Greek for "wine" Features beautiful Minoan Style high handle and spout, and pours well. Great for serving water or wine Comes lined with 100% food grade beeswax and is fully watertight and food-safe. Surface decoration and handle style inspired by the lovely ware found in the Palace of Knossos. Holds 1 Quart/Approximately 1 liter 9 " Tall (22 cm)
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Geometric Oinochoe: This lovely pitcher is also great for pouring water or wine. Comes lined with 100% foodgrade beeswax and is fully watertight and food-safe. Surface decoration inspired by earlier "Geometric Period" (Middle Helladic, 1900-1600 BC). 10 " Tall (25 cm) including handle
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3 Handled Octopus Jar REPRODUCTION: Large:14 inches (36cm) tall x 8.5 inches (22cm.) diameter Small:9 inches (22.5 cm) tall Comes lined with 100% food grade beeswax and is fully watertight. Photo of Original
(Click to Enlarge)
Minoan, 1500 BCE The large vase (above) is made without an electric wheel and using hand tools as in ancient times.
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$450.00
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MYC 1001 3 Handled Mycenean Vase REPRODUCTION: 7 " (17.5 cm) tall Comes clear-glazed on inside, but can be coated with beeswax instead for water-tightness . Photo of Original: Mycenean Palace Vase, before 1400BC
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MN 1009 Flask with pointed Bottom:"Marine" Style" Once used for precious oils and unguents, this flask makes an excellent showpiece.
(Display stand not included) 9 " Tall (22.5 cm)
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MORE SOURCES:
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EGYPTIAN Note: Unless noted, these are not intended to be reproductions, but rather a form of creative expression inspired by ancient Egyptian art. We welcome orders for Hermetic Sacred objects. |
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| Egyptian Lotus "Isis" Cup Reproduction Made of terra cotta with turquoise glaze (to simulate faience) $200.00 7 inches (17 cm) tall Thanks to Kathy, for this wonderful idea! |
Photo of Original click thumbnail to enlarge Egyptian lotiform cup with
lotus decoration NOTE: FAIENCE is a self-glazing material, composed primarily of quartz, frit, alkali, copper and natron, or plant ash. It is a very challenging material to work with due to its sticky nature . |
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| ORNATE Egyptian Lotus Cup Reproduction $450.00 (Photo coming soon)
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Photo of Original click thumbnail to enlarge
Lotiform Cup; H. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) c.945–715 BC, 22nd Dynasty Metroploitan Museum of Fine Art Very similar cups are also
held by Eton College's Myer's Museum Such cups were funerary offerings made to be placed in tombs. During the Third
Intermediate Period, chalices of this shape and other faience delicacies
were decorated with relief scenes evoking a constellation of myths having
to do with the birth of the king as child of the sun god out of the watery
marsh environment, and thus the renewal of the world out of the flooded
land of each midsummer New Year. |
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| Egyptian Lotus Cup Reproduction 5 " Tall (13.5 cm) x 3.5" (9cm) diameter
$100.00 $110.00 with beeswax on the inside Surfaced incised by hand, finished in buff, red, and black Terra Sigillata Terra Sigillata makes the vessel watertight-but it will darken a bit when filled. Available with beeswax on the inside. (See "terra sigillata care" sheet)
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Original cup 18th Dynasty Egypt, 1540-1307 BC Found in Aniba Tomb SA30 Piece is in the University Museum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Said to be made of faience, (Egyptian Paste) but because archeologists aren't always potters, I believe this to be incorrect. I think that it is either made of clay with terra sigillata for the finish, OR clay possibly with a thin coating of faience brushed over the vessel. Julia For more on this, see Victor Bryant's "Web Tutorials for Potters". Thanks to Frank Garcia of Legio III Cyrenaica, for donating information, and for whom this piece was made. Source: Freed, Rita E. Egypt's Golden Age: The Art of Living in the New Kingdom 1558 - 1085 B.C.
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Isis Plaque Made of clay, hand-painted in engobe, which is a refined colored clay that is fired together with the piece. It is thus molecularly bonded, and will not burn or wash off. 8" x 11" (20cm x 27.5 cm)
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Genie Bottle Painted with engobe, which is colored clay that is fired on, permanent and will not wash or peel off, and polished with a thin coating of carnauba wax on the outside, food grade 100% beeswax on the inside. Completely watertight Comes with cork, (not shown) Genie not included ; ) Design and shape will vary slightly (as shown in photo) as each bottle is individually handmade and painted. Color shown: "0692 Bright Blue" with "0674 Lilac" banding Other colors are available upon request Click HERE. 11 " (27.5 cm) Tall
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Jade Cobra Perfumed Oil Flask 4" (10cm)Tall including lid Jade green and copper glaze finish Removable stopper has hand painted and sculpted detail Perfect for storing scented massage or precious perfumed oil. (Perfumed oil not included) Fit for a queen!
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| CANAANITE |
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$100.00
$110.00 with beeswax on inside |
Canaanite Goblet Reproduction 5" (12.5cm) Tall x 3" (7.5 cm) in diameter Painted in colored Terra Sigillata on a buff clay body, the colors have been permanently fired onto the vessel and will not wash off. Available with a coating of beeswax on the inside, recommended if drinking wine. Without beeswax, the vessel will still hold liquid, but will "sweat", and the surface will darken and stain. |
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| Original Goblet Canaanite, Late Bronze Age (c.1550-1200 BC) Canaanite pots of the Late Bronze Age were often decorated with this stylized design of ibexes and palm trees. This goblet was found in Lachish. Thanks to Frank Garcia of Legio III Cyrenaica, for donating information, and for whom this piece was made. Source: Tubb, Jonathan N. Bible Lands. ISBN 0-7894-5770-9 (hc) |
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THE VENETIAN CAT STUDIO
c/o Julia Passamonti
292 Concord Lane
East Wakefield, New Hampshire 03830
USA (603) 522-6518