Nikosthenic amphora

As an Attic amphora Nikosthenische special form of neck-amphora is called, which was invented in the late sixth century BC by the potter Nikosthenes and was intended for export to Etruria.

The Nikosthenische Amphora is based on the Etruscan bucchero forms. It is the most characteristic product of Nikosthenes - Pamphaios workshop. Striking are the square Amphorenkörper and the wide, flat handle. The originals were black held in Etruria, on the other hand painted Attic vases in black-figure style. Almost all amphorae were found in Caere, while the majority of other products of Nikosthenes were discovered in Vulci. This suggests that he specifically produced for the market in Caere. This also means that Nikosthenes must have been a particularly enterprising potters who could use also sent the product advertising, and also skillful intermediaries were at work. Among other of Nikosthenes invented or imported in Athens forms the Nikosthenische Amphora to his most famous creation was.

The tone of the Nikosthenischen amphorae glowed orange and contrasted so well with the black-figure painting. The decoration of vases may follow quite different patterns. Many a time the vases were divided into up to three friezes were painted individually. Here plant and animal friezes were often shown. Other times took a single photo the whole body of the vase. Apparently, most, if not all, known Nikosthenischen amphorae painted the painter N, which may be identical with Nikosthenes. After the production had used about 530-520 BC and was also continued by the successor of Nikosthenes, Pamphaios - now the amphorae were, however, painted red-figure - she ended sometime 500-490 BC.