- chapter 53: The meanings of bucchero –
trumpet-shaped, and the neck and handles taller. In fact, because these later examples are
distinctive and represent an evolution in the shape, they have been given a different name
by archaeologists: Nikosthenic amphoras (Fig. 53.3). The shape was fi rst recognized in
the work of the black-fi gure Athenian potter, Nikosthenes, who often signed his name
Nikosthenes epoiesen. We now realize that Nikosthenes and his workshop of potters (active
circa 530–500 bc) were imitating an indigenous Italic shape – specifi cally, one that was
popular at Caere – but decorating it in Greek techniques (black fi gure, red fi gure or
Six’s technique), designed to appeal to the Etruscan market. In fact, almost all of these
Greek Nikosthenic amphoras were found in and around Caere.^19 In bucchero, this shape
becomes quite elegant. The proportions are attenuated and the decoration is refi ned. The
wide ribbon handles are fully exploited as an area for both relief and, more frequently,
cut-out (ajour) decoration, often enhanced with incision.^20 On a few exceptional pieces,
there are an extra pair of handles. In addition, the wide belly friezes on Nikosthenic
amphoras are sometimes incised with animal processions and other narratives. The spiral
amphora and its gradual evolution into the Nikosthenic form represent a fascinating
example of the steady progress of improved technical and decorative features of bucchero.
A second indigenous Italic shape is the kantharos (Fig. 53.4). This too, like the spiral
amphora, has several metallic features and occurs in bronze examples. The standard form
has a deep bowl, often with strongly-notched carination, on a tall trumpet-shaped foot.
There are two high ribbon handles with struts. Decoration is often incised, and roulette
fans, open or closed, frequently ornament the bowl whose carination is usually notched.
In the later pesante examples, especially at Chiusi, the handles and bowls have relief
decoration. Simple kantharoi with minimal incised ornament are the most common shape
in bucchero.
Variants of the kantharos shape include a single-handled form, the kyathos, as well as
a variant with no handles, the chalice. In both of these, we see the same variations on
the theme: low feet gradually becoming taller and more fl aring. An especially elaborate
Figure 53.3 Bucchero pesante Nikosthenic amphora from Cerveteri, Bufolareccia tomb 999, circa
575–550 bc. From Rasmussen 1979, p. 168, Fig. 23.