Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between black figure and red figure Greek pottery?
1 Answer
The difference between black-figure and red-figure Greek pottery is that in black-figure pottery, figural and ornamental motifs were applied with a slip that turned black during firing and the background was color of the clay, whereas the decorative motifs on red-figure vases remained the color of the clay; the background, filled in with a slip, turned black. Red-figure is essentially the reverse of a black figure. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique Greek pottery.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
Shop for Greek Red Figure on 1stDibs
Ancient Greek Red-Figure Terracotta Pelike (Jar), 5th–4th Century BCE
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an exquisite ancient Greek red-figure terracotta pelike (storage jar) standing 10.5
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Set of Three Framed Prints Depicting Greek Apulian Red-Figure Pottery
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set of three framed prints depicting Greek glassical red-figure pottery.
Left print: Marked
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
Athenian Red Figure Vases, the Archaic Period
Located in Bradenton, FL
Athenian red figure vases, the Archaic Period by John Boardman. Paperback book, published in 1985
Category
Vintage 1980s Spanish Classical Greek Books
Materials
Paper
Jump of the Tiger, Cuba
By Laurence Salzmann
Located in Hudson, NY
documentary origin to artistry. Viewed from afar it recalls the ancient Greek brush in red-figure technique
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Ascending
By Laurence Salzmann
Located in Hudson, NY
documentary origin to artistry. Viewed from afar it recalls the ancient Greek brush in red-figure technique
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Hop Scotch
By Laurence Salzmann
Located in Hudson, NY
documentary origin to artistry. Viewed from afar it recalls the ancient Greek brush in red-figure technique
Category
1990s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
