All Kinds of Glass

Red Vase

Variety of Greek Vases Tell the Story of Ancient Greece

Withstanding time, thanks durability, Greek Pottery has been a large key to the world's comprehension of the ancient Greek society. Mostly found in the Etruscan Tombs, Greek Vases and Greek Pottery were canvases as most Greek paintings failed to survive.

Beginning with the Minoan civilization that existed in Crete, the culture made remarkable contributions to Greek way of life; especially, in the artisanship of pottery and vases. Minoan potters designed pottery for food gathering and storage. A practical need became an expression, with the potter looking to nature to influence the designs that beautified the piece.

As time progressed, Minoan's created shapes that were used for specific purposes. For example, the Amphora is a swollen vase with a large mouth and two handles. It was used to carry and store liquids such as oil or wine. Adorned with grass and flowers, and life of the sea, the Minoan's set precedent for future designs.

During the Protogeometrical Period, Greek vases were decorated with simplistic designs mainly patterns of circles. The Geometric style followed with new motifs, building upon the latter with triangles, wavy lines and meanders. In the middle of the century, the first depictions of human figures were seen adorning the Greek vase, and by the end of the period, mythological figures told their stories while decorating the pieces.

The Orient-influenced style came after trade-links with Asian Minor islands. The popularity of human depictions settled during this time, and the artisan used the Greek vases for depicting lions, griffins and sphinx with lotuses as accents.

A Corinthian invention, the Greek black-figure technique, artists used iron-rich clay that turned reddish-orange after firing. They then sketched the design as an outline, and filled it with clay as paint. The Greek Pottery would be fired in a kiln at a temperature of 800 degrees Celsius. After oxidation, the pottery would turn a reddish-orange color. Next, the temperature was raised to 950 degrees Celsius, and the piece would turn black. Finally, the kiln vents were opened to allow the oxygen to flow, and the pottery would turn back to the reddish-orange color, but the paint layer remained black.

The Corinthian used the vases to depict animal friezes, and then the Athenians painters developed a narrative method, depicting battle scenes, mythology and legends.

Replacing the black-figure method, the red-figure method was developed in Athens. Simply, the process is exactly the opposite of the black-figure method. Depictions were applied to the Greek pottery, but to unfired pieces after they were dried. The Athenians drew outlines on the pottery or vase with a blunt scrapper. It was erased during firing, but after the contours remained and were filled with a glossy clay slip.

The Greek designs and innovations not only inspire potters and artists, but left the world with a path to the past. Archaeologists have been able to piece together much of the history of ancient Greece through the patterns and stories depicted on the Greek vase.

About the Author

Rob Mabry is a former Army journalist, screenwriter and technologist. He is owner of Balance Bikes 4 Kids, specializing in bikes and scooters to help your child learn to ride.

The Bold and the beautiful red ... romantic, spicy and Energy

Decorate with red .....

Red brings a certain energy to a room.

Research has shown that red stimulates conversation and appetite is what makes a great choice for dining. I like to see a spectacular dining room red ... makes me want to solution and enjoy a meal and conversation warm! appear to activate the red walls of the ongoing conversation around the table.

Red rooms convey a sense of intimacy, What a great choice of red, not only for eating but also for sleep.

Red in a room invites romance and passion! The Chambers and red can be too much for some, however, the addition of only a few touches of red color with accessories such as works of art, picture frames, vases and pillows can go a long way to spice things up a bit. If the red walls are a little too risky for you to consider, and Why not consider the red and white bedding. You feel the power and romance of red, but when mixed with white being light and fresh. Add a few red candles, red roses and I put the beginning of a romantic getaway.

The color red is a bold ... saying "Watch me" ... draws attention to himself ... making it the ideal choice for areas of intervention you want to attract attention. Imagine beautiful red silk curtain panels developing a window with a beautiful view, a collection of vases or candlesticks cells of a fireplace mantle or a bright red chest at the entrance, all are perfect examples of the addition of the bold red without feeling out of balance.

Red is also a perfect option to carry a fairly monochromatic room quiet life. textured rich red velvet, chenille and cushions silk on a cream-colored sofa and a very light red pop on the table in the corner of corner connects all of a sudden with the rest of the room.

Spice up your table with accents of red glassware and dishes. Add a collection of bottles of red color of its surface. If red is not a color to use every day, and compare the economic elements you can use from time to time. Items such as cloth napkins, products paper tasteful, coasters, napkin rings, or even a table runner. These elements can be mixed with other colors to add a softkey to your next meeting. And if a romantic dinner for two people you cook some scatter red rose petals around the table and pour a little red wine!

Where can I see red?

Copyright 2009 Kathleen Ellis

Elegant lifestyle for more romantic ideas I would like to invite you every two weeks in my free newsletter www.kathleenellis.blogspot.com . Twice a month you will receive ideas easy elegant and romantic decorating, entertainment and live the romantic life.

About the Author

Kathleen Ellis, interior decorator, speaker, writer and TV personality, specializes in romantic Casual Elegance. As a successful interior decorator for over 14 years, Kathleen believes your home should be your haven and knows how to create a "soft place to land" for her clients; A place that not only reflects your unique lifestyle, but a soft place that embraces you while nurturing and renewing your body and soul. She is an expert at interpreting your dreams and creating the retreat you long for; The home of your dreams that combines romance and elegance in a comfortable and unforgettable way.

For 5 years, she has been the featured lifestyle expert on CBS affiliate WHP-TV in Harrisburg, PA. She has been featured in several publications including Romantic Homes, Chesapeake Home, Central PA and Harrisburg magazines. Kathleen enjoys sharing her passion for creating romance, beauty and elegance in every area of life. Kathleen presents workshops on Easy & Elegant Entertaining as well as other lifestyle topics. Kathleen inspires and motivates her audience to dream and to step out of the box to make those dreams come true.