Terracotta stamnos (jar) with lid 450 BC

This terracotta stamnos was made by an anonymous artist in ancient Greece. The process begins with humble material – refined clay. Shaped by hand or on a wheel, this vessel would have then been fired not once, but three times, to achieve its distinctive black and red gloss. The key to understanding this object lies in recognizing that it is a product of skilled labor. Potters and painters were specialized artisans, their expertise developed through years of apprenticeship. The decoration is not merely aesthetic; the figures, rendered in a distinctive style of silhouette, were carefully drawn to depict narratives and convey cultural values. Finally, consider the function of the stamnos, likely used for storing wine or oil, commodities central to the ancient Greek economy. It’s a reminder that even the most beautiful objects were deeply embedded in the everyday realities of work, trade, and consumption. By appreciating both its making and its context, we see beyond the binary of art and craft.