Ancient Ribbed Oinochoe Wine Jug, Roman North Africa (3197B-EKB) $295

Description

An oenochoe or oinochoe is the Greek word for a wine jug and the name of an important category of Greek pottery created in many forms of which there are many variants copied and modified by cultures throughout the ancient world, especially by ancient-pottery centers in the Africa-Proconsularis province of Roman-North-Africa. As common folk throughout the Roman-Empire and elsewhere could only afford practical objects that were functional-and-utiilitarian and without frills, potters created attractive yet useful every-day objects called Roman coarse wares using the most practical, inexpensive and long-lasting materials. This earthenware terracotta pouring vessel example was made, and elegant in its simplicity: undecorated except for horizontal ridges, curved single handle at its back, simple rim at the mouth and crème clay slip. Handles for most items large or small were always made for comfort in handling and pouring and for use by a single hand. It is created with heavy and thick walls for durability, and it’s ample, wide and curved strap handle has a decorative depression in the middle and attaches from the rim to a third of the way down the body. The crème clay slip has darkened over time, there is a slight chip on its foot and minor dings on its body, but it is otherwise in very good condition.