Black-Figure Nikosthenic Amphora (Storage Vessel): Dancing Youths; Sphinxes and Lions; Satyrs and Maenads

c. 530–510 BCE

potter

signed by Nikosthenes

(Greek, Attic, active c. 545–510 BCE)

painter

attributed to Painter N, Thiasos Group

(Greek, c. 530–510 BC)

Culture

Greek, Attic

Medium

ceramic

Measurements

Diameter: 16.9 cm (6 5/8 in.); Overall: 31.1 cm (12 1/4 in.); Diameter of rim: 13.3 cm (5 1/4 in.); Diameter of foot: 10.7 cm (4 3/16 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1974.10

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Location

On view at Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, Legion of Honor, San Francisco, CA, May 2, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026

Did You Know?

The painter of this vase decorated nearly every available surface; the undecorated handle section is modern.

Description

The distinctive shape of this amphora—wide strap handles, conical neck, and ribs running around the upper body—is a trademark of the potter Nikosthenes, who signed his name below the partially restored handle (together with the verb EPOIESEN, for “made”). Nikosthenes signed nearly 150 surviving vases, more than any other named potter or vase-painter. Made in Athens with an Etruscan clientele in mind, Nikosthenic amphorae emulate precious metal and ceramic bucchero vases made in Etruria (central Italy), where many examples have been discovered. The painted figures include dancing youths (on the neck), sphinxes between lions (on the shoulder), and a continuous procession of dancing satyrs alternating with women (on the body).