Bucchero Nero type amphora; Etruria, 7th-6th century... Lot 15

Bucchero Nero type amphora; Etruria, 7th-6th century BC. Ceramic. Restoration on fracture lines on one of the handles and the body. Measurements: 29 x 16.5 cm. Amphora with figurative incised decoration on the handles depicting horses. Bucchero nero is a type of pottery produced in central Italy by the pre-Roman Etruscan population of the region. Considered to be the 'national' pottery of ancient Etruria, Bucchero ware is distinguished by its black finish, as well as by its glossy black surface achieved through the unique 'reduction' method in which it was fired. In contrast to the black-glazed Campanian pottery of the Greek settlers in southern Italy, the glossy, lustrous black surface of many Bucchero vessels was achieved by polishing the surface. The Etruscans were great artists and craftsmen, known for what has come down to us from them: profusely decorated and very striking tombs, resembling homes in some cases; terracotta sculptures which they apparently polychromed with flat, vivid tones (similar to ancient Egyptian works), and used to decorate temples, as sculptures, gold and silver work, ceramics, etc.