Rhodian ware

pottery

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July 13, 2026

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Rhodian ware refers to pottery produced on the island of Rhodes during the Period of Oriental Influence in ancient Greece, roughly from 725 to 600 BCE. This style emerged as Greek pottery production renewed contact with the Middle East.1

While Corinth led in specializing in small vases like the aryballos (scent bottle), other regional styles became more distinct. Rhodian pottery is characterized by its "wild goat" style, featuring friezes of animals, particularly goats, drawn in outline. This style drew inspiration from Syrophoenician art, incorporating processions of real and legendary animals, often with lotus flowers and palmettes as subsidiary decoration. Although human figures were sometimes depicted, the focus remained on animal motifs.1

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Read More