Black-Figure Dinos with Ships
510-500 BC
Clay; h 17.3, diam of body 36 cm
This black-figure dinos is notable for its austere decoration. The chiselled form of the
vessel is emphasized by the shining black lacquer and the ornament around the neck. On
the inner surface of the neck are five oar ships ploughing the rough sea. The artist
carefully depicted the silhouettes of the ships, the prows in the form of dolphins' heads,
and swans' heads on the stern, sail, rope and oars. In depicting the crew the artist paid
particular attention only to the helmsmen, while the heads of oarsmen are represented as
black circles, which can be easily taken for mere ornament.
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