Black-figure pottery

Black-figure pottery is an ancient Greek ceramic style developed around 700 BCE. It features figures and scenes painted in black silhouette against the natural red clay background. Artists used a slip (liquid clay) to create detailed images, which turned black during firing, while the background remained red. The style allowed for intricate storytelling on vases, often depicting mythological, athletic, or daily life scenes. Black-figure pottery was popular until around 500 BCE, when it was replaced by the more detailed red-figure style. It remains highly valued today for its artistry and historical significance.