korythos

The korythos is an ancient Greek ceramic vessel primarily used for storing and transporting liquids, particularly wine and olive oil. Dating from the late Archaic to the Hellenistic periods (roughly the 6th to 2nd centuries BCE), it was one of the most common types of storage jars in the Greek world. The korythos is characterized by its large, globular body, narrow neck, and two horizontal handles positioned near the top. Its shape allowed for efficient storage and easy pouring, making it practical for both domestic and commercial use.

The vessel was typically made from clay and fired in kilns, often decorated with geometric or figurative motifs in black-figure or red-figure techniques. These decorations were applied before firing, with the korythos being one of the earliest forms of Greek pottery to feature detailed narrative scenes. The handles were often reinforced with metal fittings, such as bronze, to prevent breakage during transport.

Korythoi were widely distributed across the Mediterranean, reflecting Greece’s extensive trade networks. They were commonly found in burial contexts, suggesting their use in funerary rituals, possibly as offerings or containers for liquids used in mourning ceremonies. Archaeological evidence indicates that they were produced in various Greek regions, including Attica, Corinth, and southern Italy, with variations in size and decoration depending on the workshop.

The korythos’s practical design and cultural significance make it an important artifact in understanding ancient Greek daily life and trade practices. While less common than amphorae in later periods, its distinctive form remains a key example of Greek ceramic innovation and artistic expression.