Terracotta fragment of an oinochoe (jug)?
Unknown Artist
5th century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Late Archaic/Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, Distinguished Research Curator, Greek and Roman Art, 2011
Accession Number
2011.604.6.176
Art Historical Context
This terracotta fragment from an oinochoe, or wine jug, offers a glimpse into the refined world of ancient Attic Greece during the Late Archaic to early Classical period (5th century BCE).inochoai were essential vessels in symposia—lively social gatherings where wine flowed freely—used to pour libations to the gods or serve guests. Crafted in vibrant terracotta, this piece hails from Athens, the epicenter of Greek pottery innovation, where potters and painters elevated everyday objects into works of art. Attic vases like this one showcase masterful techniques, likely featuring the red-figure ...