Terracotta Lekythos (oil Flask) 500 BC

This terracotta lekythos, or oil flask, was made in Ancient Greece using a potter's wheel and paints derived from natural pigments. The form was thrown, allowed to dry, and then painted in a graphic style known as black-figure, a type of decoration widely used in ancient Greece. The striking contrast between the dark figures and light background gives the vase its visual punch, showing a scene of conflict. The details were incised into the painted surface, a subtractive technique that gives the figures sharp definition. The making of terracotta pottery was a laborious, artisanal process, requiring skill in shaping clay and mixing pigments. These vessels were ubiquitous in ancient Greek society, used for storing and pouring oil. The decoration speaks to a culture in which the skilled labor of pottery production met the cultural values of art, storytelling, and trade. This piece is a reminder that even utilitarian objects can be rich with meaning.