the Black-Figure amphorae

Black-figure amphorae are ancient Greek pottery vessels characterized by their distinctive black images painted onto the natural red clay surface. Created around the 7th to 5th centuries BCE, artisans used a special firing process that turned the figures black while leaving the background red. These vessels often depict mythological scenes, daily life, and athletic events, serving both functional and decorative purposes. The black-figure technique was a significant step in Greek ceramic art, showcasing skilled craftsmanship and storytelling through detailed silhouetted figures and fine incised details.