Ancient Greek Amphoras
The ancient greeks created larger ceramic jars used to carry liquids. These vessels were called amphoras, and were often used to carry important goods such as wine and oils. These were bigger than other transportation vessels at the time referred to as lekythos. These larger vessels depicted warrior scenes, and were typically brown and black in color. figures sporting spears and shields involved in different activities surrounded the jar, along with typically two handles attached to create ease of handling. Fired in kilns and glazed for shine, the vessels were then sold on the marketplace. The particular amphora pictured shows two warriors bent over a table in what appears to be strategic discussion. The vessel has a large mouth for easy access to the liquid to be held inside, and upper handles to the jar to not only make carrying the piece easier, but also reaching the liquids within it. The wide base of the vessel stabilizes it for the wider middle section of the vase.
Jomon Pottery Fukabachi
Japanese middle Jomon period potter known as Fukabachi were what they created for deep bowls/pots. These vessels were commonly used for cooking, while they were also immensely decorated. This type of pottery was often decorated with a rope-like structure made of clay added or subtracted to the majority of the pot. This particular vessel also was often decorated with patterns meant to look like flames, or are at least reminiscent of flames in nature. The purpose of these pots didn't vary much from cooking, but being decorated added to their appeal.
Chinese Gray Ware
Chinese gray ware, created during the Bronze Age within China, were mainly used for storage, creating focus over the previously created earthenware. These particular vessels were glazed in some of the first high-firing methods of the histroy of ceramics. These were also linked to the bronze industry in terms of original vessels being made in bronze to be replicatedwith ceramics. Instead of being used for storage, their ceramic sounterparts were also used to be buried. These were also created using certain elements of mass production not previously used in making ceramic pieces.
Native American Acoma Pottery
Acoma pottery, similar to that of the pueblo creation, are recognizable for the fluted rims and geometric oriented shapes used to make them and their decorations. Serving purpose of cooking, eating, and carrying food and other materials, these vessels were most often hand built using coils to create the ideal structure, as well as being made from hand mixed clay in its time of origin. This form of ceramics originates from America, and the traditional colors used for glazing or slips to decorate the piece ranged from white to black to orange, but it was still based on the creators personal choice of color.
Early African Ceramics
Early African pottery was most commonly made by hand, but molds would sometimes be used. These pieces were made in the desired form, and were then to be fired, being covered in wood or dung to properly bake the piece at tempuratures high enough to finish in a reasonable amount of time. After baking, the vessels would be polished to be decorated, commonly using plant dyes to produce animal or human-like figures as decorations. The pottery created was often used to hold water, but held other food goods possible to reach full potential for use. These forms were often meant to be lifted, so were built with a handle to assist.
