Corinth was a leader in the production of ceramics between 750 and 550 BC. A complex firing process and the black-figure technique were developed here. Corinthian pottery was exported through trade to all areas of the ancient world.
The pear-shaped jug called Olpe was made in the workshop of the 'Painter of Vatican 73'. The piece underlying the painter's attribution, the so-called Notname, is in the Vatican collection. This painter painted his vessels in the 'Orientalising style'. - Swans, panthers, lions and sphinxes can be seen on the two surrounding friezes. (AVS)