Gray-clay Kantharoi of the Maeotians

The Maeotian gray-clay kantharoi are replicas of black-glazed vessels that were imported during the Hellenistic period. In this article, three types of gray-clay kantharoi are examined, all of which have a conical foot and display features influenced by Hellenistic designs. The first type of kantharoi is linked to classical Attic kantharoi with spikes on the handles, and the 'early' series of these specimens show the most obvious signs of replication with their low proportions. The change in shape is attributed to the elongation of the upper part of the walls, consistent with the overall evolution of black-glazed kantharoi. The production of the first variety of kantharoi at settlements on the right bank of the Kuban River began at the end of the first or start of the second quarter of the 3rd century BC and likely did not extend beyond this century. The second variety of kantharoi maintains a classical appearance but features plain handles, and their existence is limited to the period from the second quarter to the end of the 3rd century BC. Finally, the third variety consists of bowl-shaped kantharoi, which were in use from the second half of the 3rd century BC to the turn of the 2nd to 1st century BC

Art · Gray (unit · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Medicine · Geology