General Information

Attic black glaze is produced in Athens from the 8th century onward, but is exported mainly during the 6th to 3rd centuries. The height of production is the 6th to 4th centuries when the ware is characterized by a solid lustrous glaze and excellent potting. Note that imitation Attic wares begin in the late 5th century and peak in the 4th century (see Atticizing entries). There is scholarly debate whether the ware should be called "black glaze" or "black gloss." Technically, it is black slip. Some scholars use "black gloss" because they object to the misnomer "glaze," however, recent scientific scholarship has made a case for the surface being a glaze. 

Reddish-orange fabric; well levigated with few inclusions, some mica. Lustrous black slip on surface; reserved areas often covered in miltos. Incision and stamping under glaze begins ca. 420; rouletting under glaze begins ca. 375 BCE. Early production of shapes focus on wine drinking cups and service shapes. Plates and bowls for food consumption begin to appear in significant numbers in the last quarter of the fifth century BCE.

Athenian black glaze; black gloss; black slip

Paphos/Nea Paphos (Cyprus/Western South Coast)

Pyla-Vigla (Cyprus/Eastern coast)

Maresha/Marisa (Israel/Shephelah)

Kinet Höyük (Turkey/Eastern Mediterranean)

Sardis (Turkey/Aegean)