Hellenistic Blackware Pottery Bottle

Ancient Greece, Magna Graecia, c. 350–300 BC, Apulia, Southern Italy

This unusual and elegant Hellenistic blackware bottle is a striking example of the refined pottery traditions of Magna Graecia. Featuring a thick-walled cylindrical body, it is coated in a lustrous black slip, which terminates just below the rim on the interior and at the lower body. A gracefully applied loop handle extends from the vessel’s shoulder to the rim, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Black-glazed pottery was highly prized in the Hellenistic period, particularly in Southern Italy, where artisans developed sophisticated ceramic techniques influenced by Greek traditions. The deep, glossy black finish was achieved using a special firing process that controlled oxygen levels in the kiln, creating the distinctive, mirror-like sheen characteristic of fine Greek and South Italian ceramics.

Likely used for storing and pouring liquids, this bottle would have been a staple in both domestic and ritual settings, reflecting the importance of ceramics in daily life. A superb example of Hellenistic craftsmanship, this vessel embodies the artistry and technical expertise of the potters of ancient Magna Graecia.

Moderate condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip, with encrusted patina and rich earthen deposits throughout. Paint loss to the body. Size approx. 12,8cm x 6,2cm x 5,9cm. 

Provenance: Danish private collection