Jar
Unknown Artist
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
6 5/16in. (16cm) Other (diameter of body): 5 11/16in. (14.5cm)
Classification
Vases
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.194.837
Art Historical Context
This modest terracotta jar, standing just over 6 inches tall with a body diameter of nearly 6 inches, exemplifies the everyday artistry of ancient Greek or Roman potters. Crafted from clay—a durable, affordable medium—such vessels were wheel-thrown on a potter's wheel, then kiln-fired to achieve their characteristic reddish hue and resilience. Though its exact date and maker remain unknown, its classification as a vase in the Greek and Roman department places it within the vast tradition of classical antiquity, where pottery served practical needs like storing oils, grains, or wine. These jar...