#blackware

1. “Sea Lion Effigy Stirrup Spout Vessel, Moche culture, Peru, 500-800 CE, Earthenware”

Walters Art Museum 48.2842

2. “Black ceramic bottle modeled in the form of a sea lion. Moche style, Peru.”

Carved Bowl with Olmec Dragon Motif

Olmec, Mexico, 1200-900 BCE (Early Pre-Classic)

Dancing dogs, Colima, Mexico

This black ware bowl with a star design comes from Yaozhou kilns in China, and dates back to the Song Dynasty (AD 960–1279).⁠ ⁠ This design is particular to the Yaozhou kilns area during the 11th century, and is uncommon in Chinese ceramics. There are no star designs as such until much later, with blue-and-white porcelain, and constellation designs, being more⁠ widely used.⁠ ⁠ It is also the product of a time when there was a lot of experimentation with using glazes and slips to create decorative effects; it's also quite unusual to see the completely unglazed areas that can be observed on this object.⁠

Blackware vase

Clay

Unknown artist, Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, mid 20th century

Greek Xenon Ware Kylix with Laconian Hound, Southern Italy, Apulia, 325 BC

This is a beautiful kylix, a drinking cup, with two raised handles extending from near the rim and a pronounced foot. The black background has attained some iridescence from the firing process. A laurel leaf motif wraps the interior and exterior rims; in the center of the interior is a charmingly posed dog. All are in a pale orange/pink tone. This style of overpainting on blackware is known as Xenon ware, a uniquely Apulian version of an Attic style.

The dog has pointed ears, a long tail, and a body built for speed - this is the famous Laconian hound, the swift, Spartan dog known to be native to ancient Greece, used for hunting, guarding the home and livestock, and of course canine companionship.

Stirrup-spout bottles in the form of a duck and a puma, c. 1100-1400 CE

Chimú (Peru, North coast)

Ceramic (blackware pottery)