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About this pottery:

Each piece is individually hand crafted from start to finish right here in our New Hampshire USA studio, and is an original work of art.

All pieces are finished in engobe (refined clay slip) or Terra Sigillata . Black parts are done in non-toxic glaze.

All pieces are 100% food and wine safe.

The Minoan culture began circa 200o-2100 BC on the island of Crete which is located at the entrance of the Aegean Sea. My work is inspired by the Minoan pottery of the what is known as the "Palace Period", which spans ca. 2100 BC to ca. 14oo BC, in particular, the "Marine Style", a style which is also found in sites all over the Eastern Mediterranean. This style is characterized by dark figures on a light background, and by detailed organic marine forms, such as squids, octopii, dolphins, and nautiluses against a backdrop of seaweed and coral reefs. The surface decoration on many of my pieces is inspired by original pieces as well as by the polychromatic colors that are seen in the restored section of the Palace of Knossos. Most of the forms are inspired by pieces of the Palace Period. The Kylix forms, (not the surface decoration) on the other hand, are copies of later Greek, or Attic forms dating from 610-390 BC.

Click HERE for more on time periods and surface decoration.

For more detailed information on vase construction, please visit Victor Bryant's "Web Tutorials for Potters" website, where you will find a virtual timeline of information, complete with detailed color photographs on ancient pottery and techniques spanning from prehistoric to Roman. This is a must see for anyone interested in the history of pottery.

(Special thanks to Mr. Bryant for generously allowing me to use his palace photo below)

(Click on Thumbnail for Larger View)
Palace of Knossos, Crete, post 1700BC

Note:  All originals posted below (except Kylix) are Minoan from The Palace Period, ca 2100 BC-1400BC

KYLIXES

(Click on Thumbnails  for Larger View)

The beautiful and elegant Kylix is often seen as a triumph of the potter's art. Kylixes were used as drinking vessels for many centuries. Wine was mixed with water in a larger vessel, or krater, and ladled into the kylix. Large kylixes were used as communal drinking vessels, and often passed around during celebrations.

NOTE:  If you have a surface design in mind other than what is pictured, let us know, and we can work with you to create your vision.

Click HERE for  information page on surface decoration of ancient Greek pottery.

STYLE A

$125.00

MN-1001-A

Kylix:

5" Ht x 7" Diameter

(12 cm tall x 17.5 cm Diameter [not including handles])

Plain inside

STYLE B

$125.00

MN 1001-B

Kylix:

5" Ht x 7" Diameter

(12 cm tall x 17.5 cm Diameter [not including handles])

Spirals inside

STYLE C

$125.00

MN 1001-C

Kylix:

5" Ht x 7" Diameter

(12 cm tall x 17.5 cm Diameter [not including handles])

Plain inside

 

STYLE D

$125.00

MN 1001-D

Kylix:

4.5" Ht x 7" Diameter

(12 cm tall x 17.5 cm Diameter [not including handles])

White Spirals inside

 

STYLE E

$100.00

MN 1001-E

Deep Low-Footed Kylix:

4" Ht x 7"Diameter

(10 cm x 17.5 cm diameter [not including handles])

 

STYLE F

$115.00

MN 1001-F

Small Fish Kylix:

4" Ht x 6" Diameter

(10 cm tall x 15 cm Diameter [not including handles])

 

STYLE G

$350.00

MN 1001-G

Large Kylix:

The Ultimate "Party Bowl"

10" Diameter/ 25 cm (not including handles)

 

Greek Hoplite Kit, c. 6th c BCE

Greek Canteen, 4th-3rd c BCE, 7 inches (17 cm) diameter   $110.00

Holds approximately 25 oz. (700 ml.)

 

Kothon (military mug) 9th-8th c BCE 5 inches

(12.5 cm) tall      $40.00

 

Black Unguent Jar, includes cork $10.00

 

 

Idea submitted by Michelle Hildebrandt, of Indiana, USA

Michelle is an Ancient Greek hoplite Reenactor

Photos of Originals

GREEK/Corinthian Style Kylix, 7th c BC

$1000.00

Surface decoration done in engobe (refined clay slip) and black glaze, and is permanent

This is a true collectors item and art piece, sure to impress your friends ...

Commissioned by John Keahey of Texas, USA

John doing a Greek Hoplite impression in front of a classroom

(Click to enlarge)

Mourning Athena

Chigi Vase (from Peter Connolly's book "Greece and Rome at War"

8.5 1nches (21 cm) diameter

5.5 inches (13cm) height

The sources for the designs are "Mourning Athena" a relief from the Greek Acropolis, now in the Athens Museum, about 470 BCE which has been copied inside the bowl, and from a 7th c BCE Corinthian vase found at Chigi, in Etruria (Etruscan Italy) along the outside.

The soldiers are marching at "double time"- in step and on the attack; a typical strategy to overrun or smash into an oncoming enemy of equal strength.

Attic Amphora Reproduction, 490 BCE

This piece is made, stone-burnished and painted entirely by hand, just like the originals.  Surface decoration done in highly refined clay slip, iron oxide and black glaze, and is permanent

Obverse: young man swaying and playing the kithara

Reverse: judge

Vase is 9 inches (20 cm) tall

$900.00

Commissioned by Mrs. Priscilla Blue,

Massachusetts, USA

With Sincere Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

Original Amphora, Greek, Attic, Red-Figure, c.490 BCE

Attributed to the Berlin Painter

Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts 56.171.38

 This work is a masterpiece of Greek vase painting because it brings together many features of Athenian culture in an artistic expression of the highest quality.  The shape itself is central to the effect. *

 

  The identity of the singer is given by his instrument, the kithara, which was a type of lyre used in public performances, including recitations of epic poetry.  The figure on the reverse is identified by his garb and wand.  While the situation is probably a competition, the subject is the music itself.  It transports the performer, determines his pose, and causes the cloth below the instrument to sway gently.**

 *This is a “Type C” Amphora as per  Toby Shreiber, Athenian Vase Construction: A Potter’s Analysis

ISBN 0-89236-465-3

** From a card near the original vase in the Metropolitan Museum, New York

 

 

GREEK STYLE AMPHORA

15 inches (37.5 cm.) tall

Click on image to enlarge

$700.00

(not an actual reproduction, but based on Greek Corinthian pottery)

Each piece is individually hand thrown and painted, no two exactly alike;

A striking addition to your home or office.

Click HERE for  information page on surface decoration of ancient Greek pottery.

 

Corinthian

Chimera Dinner Set

(Greek, 540-510 BCE)

click to enlarge

$350.00

Pieces also available separately

(see below)

Photo of Original Plate

click to enlarge

 

 Corinthian Chimera Plate (REPRODUCTION)

$150.00

Plate is 9.5 inches (24 cm) diameter

All pieces are hand painted in colored terra sigillata and will not wash off

100% food safe

Corinthian Chimera Kylix (REPRODUCTION)

Kylix is 8 inches (20 cm) diameter

$150.00

 

Photo of Original Kylix

click to enlarge

 

Corinthian tumbler

Tumbler is 3 inches (7.5 cm) diameter and same in height

$50.00

Photo of Original Tumbler

click to enlarge

 

 

GREEK/Corinthian Style Cup with Sacred Geese Design

Cup is 3 inches (7.5 cm) diameter and same in height

 

$35.00

This cup is not based on any one design, but rather on the Corinthian decoration style from the 7th to 6th century BC, where black figures were painted on a red background. 

Click HERE for more on time periods and surface decoration.

Geese were considered sacred to Artemis, goddess of the hunt.

The black parts of the cup are glazed and are 100% food and dishwasher safe.

Greek Phiale Mesomphalos (REPRODUCTION)

(libation bowl with raised center)

Finished in black semi-gloss glaze

Bottom surface is concave to follow raised surface

Late 4th c BC

24cm x 6cm

$65.00

 

Photo of original, late 4th c BC

Used in Greco-Roman antiquity for poured offerings.Note the raised part in the center, or ‘omphalos,’ which means ‘navel.’

Why the raised center? Here is a possible explanation:

"This is a visible effect created at the top of the vessel corresponding to the depression below, which was its intent and the practical purpose of the device on these ‘libation bowls.’

There is no symbolical meaning or value to the ‘omphalos’ here per se.

The design of the phiale mesomphalos is purely pragmatic, although, as found in virtually all ancient Greek artifacts, even the purely practical was formed with a sense of style, elegance and beauty.

Hence, in this particularly Hellenic-styled phiale, the ‘omphalos’ may be somewhat exaggerated beyond its purely practical function in the interest of its aesthetic appeal."

(Above text graciously submitted by Tia Jonaitis of Ohio USA)

A special thank you to Charles O'Donnell of New York USA for this idea...

 

SOURCES:

Modern Greek Reproduction from Original, 480BC, Greece

Original Minoan Flask, 13", 1500BC

$75.00

MN 1002

Octopus Plate:

10 " (25 cm) Diameter

$75.00

MN 1003

Lunar/Solar Plate:

10 " (25 cm) Diameter

Comes fitted with wire, ready to hang.

 

$600.00

MN 1004

3 Dolphins Plate:

Surface decoration is both incised and painted with engobe, which is a refined colored clay that is fired together with the piece.  It is thus molecularly bonded, and will not burn or wash off. (see detail on right)

Makes an elegant and original gift.

Comes fitted with wire, ready to hang.

10 " (25 cm) Diameter

SOURCE:

View of Dolphin Fresco, Palace of Knossos, Crete, post 1700BC

 

 

 

$450.00

 

MN 1005

"Marine Style" Vase:

10" tall (25 cm)

Classical Greek form with finely painted and incised surface decoration.

Comes lined with 100% food grade beeswax and is fully watertight.

$125.00

MN 1006

Octopus Decanter:

Great for serving water or wine

Comes lined with 100% food grade beeswax and is fully watertight.

10 " Tall (25 cm)

$125.00

MN 1007

Oinochoe:

"Oinos" is Greek for "wine"

This lovely wine pitcher is also great for pouring water.

Comes lined with 100% foodgrade beeswax and is fully watertight.

Surface decoration inspired by earlier "Geometric Period" (Middle Helladic, 1900-1600 BC).

10 " Tall (25 cm)

(Click to Enlarge)

$450.00

MN 1008

3 Handled Octopus Vase

REPRODUCTION:

9 " (22.5 cm) tall

Comes lined with 100% food grade beeswax and is fully watertight.

 
Photo of Original
(Click to Enlarge)

Minoan, 1500 BCE

 

 

$450.00

 

MYC 1001

3 Handled Mycenean Vase

REPRODUCTION:

7 " (17.5 cm) tall

Comes clear-glazed on inside, but  can be coated with beeswax instead for water-tightness .

Photo of Original:

Mycenean Palace Vase, before 1400BC

 

 

 

$400.00

MN 1009

Flask with pointed Bottom:"Marine" Style"

Once used for precious oils and unguents, this flask makes an excellent showpiece.

 

(Display stand not included)

9 " Tall (22.5 cm)

MORE SOURCES:

Original, 9" (22.5 cm) Tall, 1500BC

Original Amphora,

1200BC

Original Pythos (storage vessel)16" (40 cm) Tall

1450 BC

 

 

EGYPTIAN

Note: Unless noted, these are not intended to be reproductions, but rather a form of creative expression inspired by ancient Egyptian art.

$65.00

$75.00 with beeswax on the inside

 

Egyptian Lotus Cup

Reproduction

Great for that special cup of wine

Surfaced incised by hand, finished in

buff, red, and black Terra Sigillata

 

5 " Tall (13.5 cm) x

3.5" (9cm) diameter

Terra Sigillata makes the vessel watertight-but it will darken a bit when filled. 

Available with beeswax on the inside.

(See "terra sigillata care" sheet)

 

Original cup

18th Dynasty Egypt, 1540-1307 BC

 Found in Aniba Tomb SA30

Piece is in the University Museum,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Said to be made of faience, (Egyptian Paste) but because archeologists aren't always potters, I believe this to be incorrect.  I think that it is either made of clay with terra sigillata for the finish, OR  clay possibly with a thin coating of faience brushed over the vessel.  Julia

For more on this, see Victor Bryant's "Web Tutorials for Potters".

Thanks to Frank Garcia of Legio III Cyrenaica, for donating information, and for whom this piece was made.

Source: Freed, Rita E. Egypt's Golden Age: The Art of Living in the New Kingdom 1558 - 1085 B.C.

 

$200.oo

 

Isis Plaque

Made of clay, hand-painted in engobe, which is a refined colored clay that is fired together with the piece.  It is thus molecularly bonded, and will not burn or wash off.

8" x 11" (20cm x 27.5 cm)

EG-1003-A(round)

EG-1003-B(triangular)

$25.00 each

 

Small Paste Vase

Made of Egyptian, or Frit Paste

NOTE:  Egyptian, or Frit Paste, (also called "faience") is a self-glazing material, composed primarily of quartz and frit.  This is very similar to the colored  material used 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt and Greece. It is at times a very challenging material to work with .

A or B

2.5 " (6 cm) Tall

$75.00 each

 

Genie Bottle

Painted with engobe, which is colored clay that is fired on, permanent and will not wash or peel off, and polished with a thin coating of carnauba wax on the outside, food grade 100% beeswax on the inside.

 Completely watertight

Comes with cork, (not shown)

 Genie not included ; )

Design and shape will vary slightly (as shown in photo) as each bottle is individually handmade and painted.

Color shown: "0692 Bright Blue" with "0674 Lilac" banding

Other colors are available upon request  Click HERE.

11 " (27.5 cm) Tall

 

$85.00

 

Jade Cobra Perfumed Oil Flask

4" (10cm)Tall including lid

Jade green and copper glaze finish

Removable watertight stopper has hand painted and sculpted detail

Perfect for storing scented massage or precious perfumed oil.

(Perfumed oil not included)

Fit for a queen!

CANAANITE

$65.00

 

$75.00 with beeswax on inside

 

Canaanite Goblet Reproduction

5" (12.5cm) Tall x  

3" (7.5 cm) in diameter

Painted in colored Terra Sigillata on a buff clay body, the colors have been permanently fired onto the vessel and will not wash off.

Available with a coating of beeswax on the inside, recommended if drinking wine.  Without beeswax, the vessel will still hold liquid, but will "sweat", and the surface will darken and stain.

Original Goblet

Canaanite, Late Bronze Age  (c.1550-1200 BC)

Canaanite pots of the Late Bronze Age were often decorated with this stylized design of ibexes and palm trees.  This goblet was found in Lachish.

Thanks to Frank Garcia of Legio III Cyrenaica, for donating information, and for whom this piece was made.

Source: Tubb, Jonathan N. Bible Lands. ISBN 0-7894-5770-9 (hc)

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THE VENETIAN CAT STUDIO
c/o Julia Passamonti
292 Concord Lane
East Wakefield, New Hampshire 03830
USA
(603) 522-6518

info@venetiancat.com

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