Vintage Handmade Greek Pottery Plate – Athena/Poseidon – Hand Painted in Greece

Description

View Vintage Handmade Greek Pottery Plate – Athena/Poseidon – Hand Painted in Greece with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Poseidon struck the earth with his trident to create a saltwater spring, while Athena planted the first olive tree. This plate shows Poseidon holding a fish (symbolizing his domain) while Athena sits regally opposite him. Item Specifics • Type: Decorative Wall/Display Plate • Technique: Handmade & Hand Painted (Red-Figure Style) • Origin: Greece (Signed/Stamped on reverse) • Subject: Greek Mythology – Athena & Poseidon • Era: Vintage (circa 1980s-90s) • Material: Ceramic / Terracotta • Features: Wall Hanging Hole (Pre-drilled), Matte Finish Description A Classic Scene of Olympian Power vs This exquisite, hand-crafted ceramic plate depicts one of the most famous rivalries in mythology: Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, and Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Rendered in the traditional Attic "Red-Figure" style, the figures are captured in a moment of classical poise, surrounded by geometric Greek Key (Meander) borders. The Story & Facts Behind the Piece: • The Contest for Athens: The scene likely references the legendary competition between Athena and Poseidon to become the patron of Athens. Poseidon struck the earth with his trident to create a saltwater spring, while Athena planted the first olive tree. This plate shows Poseidon holding a fish (symbolizing his domain) while Athena sits regally opposite him. • Red-Figure Technique: This style was pioneered in Athens around 530 BCE. Unlike "Black-Figure" pottery, where the figures are painted on, the Red-Figure technique involves painting the background black and leaving the figures the natural reddish-orange color of the clay, allowing for the incredible detail seen in the drapery of Athena’s robes. • Artisan Quality: Note the "Handmade in Greece" stamp on the back. These pieces were often produced by small family studios in regions like Rhodes or Athens, using traditional kilns to replicate the museum-quality look of ancient artifacts. • The "Eye" Motif: Notice the small details in the border—these meander patterns were believed by ancients to symbolize the eternal flow of life and were often used to ward off the "Evil Eye." Condition & Display: • Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The paint remains vibrant with a beautiful matte finish that mimics aged terracotta. • Display Ready: The back features a pre-drilled hole, making it ready to hang as a centerpiece in a gallery wall or on a display stand. Condition: New. Category: Collectibles › Cultures & Ethnicities › Other Cultural Collectibles.

Provenance

Ownership History Not Available

Handmade

Yes

Culture

Greek

Country of Origin

Greece