Ancient Greek ceramics have been objects of admiration for centuries for those who are interested in classical civilization and especially for art historians. The study of these vessels reveals constant references to other forms of art, even sculpture, while their depictions provide so much information about the world in which they were created that they rival the greatest works of ancient Greek literature as a historical source.
No other artistic expression of the ancient Greeks can bring us closer to the images of their daily life or reveal their views on life, myth, and even politics as clearly as ceramics. In this book, John Boardman outlines the evolution of ancient ceramics in terms of shapes and decoration of vessels, but also focuses on a series of related topics, such as the identification of creators, the methods of production and decoration of vessels, the daily life of the potter, and the spread of vessels through trade beyond the boundaries of the Greek world, from Morocco to Persia and from Russia to Sudan. The use of different types in daily life and worship, as well as their role in the dissemination of artistic trends and ideas, are also subjects of the book. Finally, the author examines how the narrative technique of vase painters influenced Western art and how the depictions on the vessels reflect the political and social reality of the time.