Assessing Forming Techniques of Athenian Ceramic Alabastra

Athenian black-figure and red-figure vases have not been the subject of many studies specifically devoted to vase-forming techniques, since researchers have primarily focused on their decoration. The study of the Attic alabastron, a perfume vase shape produced in Athens between the middle of the sixth century and the beginning of the fourth century BC, shows that different techniques were occasionally used by potters in the making of a vase or its various parts. This paper will therefore focus on highlighting the different forming techniques that can be hypothesised through the observation and drawing of fine wares.