black gloss pottery

Black gloss pottery is a type of ceramic ware characterized by its smooth, shiny black surface achieved through a specialized glazing and firing process. Originating in ancient cultures such as Egypt and Greece, it involves applying a slip or glaze made from metal oxides that turns black during high-temperature firing in a reduction atmosphere (low oxygen). The result is a reflective, sleek surface that highlights the form and craftsmanship of the piece. Black gloss pottery was highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and technical skill, often used for both functional vessels and decorative objects in antiquity.