History does not have to remain in history books. For instance, today a wide variety of wall vases is available in various materials, shapes, and sizes. However, ancient Greek vases have significantly influenced the wall vases of today. In fact, without the innovations that the Greeks made to pottery, perhaps today's wall vases would not exist. The Greeks improved many aspects of pottery.

BATTLE OF THE VASES

What makes Greek vases distinct among all decorated pottery? Both the methods and subjects that the ancient Greeks used on their pottery, has resulted in the very creation of the term “vase painting.” From the second millennium B.C. until nearly the conclusion of the first century B.C., Greek pottery, including its vases, thrived. This phenomenon happened throughout the Greek world. At first, several different local styles boomed during this period.

However, by the middle of the sixth century B.C., that situation had changed. Attica, including its capital Athens, began producing more and superior vases than its neighbor Corinth. Both areas had competed for the profitable foreign markets for vases. Attic reigned supreme for 1.5 centuries, which included much political turmoil and wars. Their ancient vases have even influenced some of today's wall vases.

However, then the Peloponnesian War ended in 404 B.C. As one result, Athens lost its lucrative markets in the Western world. Slowly yet gradually, the pottery business in Attica declined. In fact, by the middle of the fourth century B.C., the Atticans were creating no noteworthy vases. However, the art of Greek vase-painting was not dead in the Greek world.

THE BIRTH OF GREEK VASES

Ancient Greek vases evolved greatly throughout the centuries. The first Greek vases were nothing to write home about. Their shape and decorations differed little from vases that other nations produced. Human figures first appeared on pottery during the eighth century B.C. The depictures were primarily abstract, using a type of minimalism. The vase painters used lines and curves to reveal only the basic outlines of objects. This is the style that Atticans used to earn prominence in the world of ancient pottery.

The next era of Greek vase painting revealed Asia's impact on their works. Objects that influenced Greek vase painting included:

• beasts

• flowers

• monsters

RED, WHITE, AND BLACK-FIGURE

However, while the Greeks used many of the themes of Asian art, their artwork was more ornate. Instead of using rigid lines and curves, the Greeks made their vase painting more ornamental. We can see this influence on Greek vases, in some of today's wall vases. During this period, the Corinthians created the black-figure technique. They reverted to the use of silhouettes; however, there were some new developments. They added the colors red and white to the designs. Also, the artists cut lines into the vases, in order to highlight particular parts in the artwork. Within time, the black-figure method spread to Athens. Also, artists began placing their signatures on vases.

The ancient Greeks inspired many of today's wall vases. Make history by selecting lovely wall decoration vases!