Ancient Terracotta Oenochoe (Wine Jug), Roman North Africa (3197A-UOM) $275

Description

Oenochoe, the Greek word for wine vessel or jug, is a category of ancient Greek pottery with different variants. Copied and modified by ancient cultures, this earthenware pouring vessel was made in a pottery center in the Roman North Africa territory called Africa Proconsulares and exported throughout the empire. Made using a potter’s wheel and covered with a slip and fired in a kiln, they were highly decorated for the rich or plain functional items like this one called coarse wares for the lower classes.  The body tapers inward as it rises and is unadorned with the exception of horizontal ribbing and a slip applied while it was on the potters wheel. Thick for durability, the curved single handle is attached from the rim to halfway down the body and was made for comfort in handling and pouring. In very good condition, intact and without restoration, it has expected mineral and earth adhesions, minor slip losses and some darkening on its surface.