Daulides

Daulides refer to a group of ancient Greek vases characterized by their distinctive black-figure decoration, primarily produced in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. The name "Daulides" originates from the mythical Daulian workshop, traditionally associated with the city of Corinth, where these vases were believed to have been crafted. While the exact location of the Daulian workshop remains debated among scholars, Corinth is the most widely accepted origin, given the stylistic similarities between Daulides and other Corinthian pottery of the period.

Daulides are notable for their bold, linear black-figure technique, where figures are rendered in black against a terracotta background. The style is marked by simplified, angular forms and a lack of fine detail, distinguishing it from earlier Corinthian black-figure work. Common motifs include mythological scenes, athletic contests, and symposia, often depicted in a dynamic, narrative fashion. The vases themselves were typically used for practical purposes such as storage (e.g., amphorae) or drinking (e.g., cups and kraters), though their artistic value also made them status symbols among elite Greek households.

The Daulian style flourished briefly before evolving into the more refined Corinthian black-figure tradition. Scholars attribute this transition to the influence of new artistic trends and possibly the migration of potters. Daulides are significant in the study of Greek art as a transitional phase between the geometric and classical periods, reflecting the cultural and artistic exchanges of the Archaic Greek world. Their rarity today, due to the fragility of terracotta, makes surviving examples highly valued in archaeological collections and museums.