Some things never get old. Or, perhaps a better way of phrasing this is, "Some things are so old, they are now timeless."
Amphorae are the narrow-necked ceramic vessels—with two vertical handles—which were used in ancient times to store and transport foodstuffs like wine or oil. The name "amphora" derives from the Mycenaean Greek, meaning "to be carried on both sides." The oldest existing amphorae are Phoenician, from the Eastern rim of the Mediterranean, dating from 3,500 years BC. The Greeks later used amphorae (or the amphora form) for highly decorated artistic ceramics—and the Etruscans and the Romans did likewise, later.
The classic form of a bulbous body, narrow neck and two (usually vertical) handles seems to be as old as civilization itself—and is now timeless.
The amphora shown here, made by Roseville (in Ohio) in the Twenties or Thirties, has a delightfully classic form, crowned with two slightly Art Nouveau (whiplash) handles. The age-old form was brought into the Twentieth Century by the energy of these dynamic appendages—and the clean, fresh glazing of satin white. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248