Athenian Black-Figure and Red-Figure Pointed Amphoras: New Considerations on Their Shape, Decoration, and Context

Abstract

Fewer than 20 Athenian figured pointed amphoras are attested, dating from the late sixth century to the mid-fifth century B.C.E. in both black- and red-figure. There is strong variability in the shape of these vases, even those produced in the same workshop, making them almost unique specimens. Their shape is clearly modeled after transport amphoras of the same period. This paper aims to argue that Athenian figured pointed amphoras were produced in small numbers as special commissions for members of the aristocracy. In addition to their content, arguably high-quality wine, these luxury versions of regular wine shipping containers may have been intended as gifts to guest-friends and members of the givers’ broad elite network, mainly in Etruria.