Trefoil Oinochoe

This bucchero oinochoe (pitcher) has a trefoil (three-fold) mouth to assist with the pouring of water or wine. The mouth connects to a simple strap handle that curves down to the shoulder. The body is spherical, with thin concentric bands incised on the exterior. The vessel has a simple ring foot. In addition to their notability as a maritime power, the Etruscans are also known for their bucchero, a style of pottery that was produced between the 7th and the 5th centuries BCE. It is black inside and out due to the reducing atmosphere during the firing process that prevented oxidation. Bucchero vessels are made on a wheel, and the forms often imitate contemporary impasto and metalware. When polished, the effect of bucchero’s black surfaces can even resemble oxidized silver.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Anonymous collection, [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [said to be from "Monte Greco," probably Monte lo Greco necropolis]; Walters Art Museum, 1942, by gift.