A pelike is a one-piece ceramic container similar to an amphora. It has two open handles that are vertical on their lateral aspects and even at the side with the edge of the belly, a narrow neck, a flanged mouth, and a sagging, almost spherical belly. Unlike the often-pointed bottom of many amphorae, the pelike's bottom is always flanged so it will stand on its own. Pelikes are often intricately painted, usually depicting a scene involving people. The shape first appeared in Athens about 520 BC and continued late into the 4th century BC.

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Red-Figure Pelike by the Darius Painter

Neck-pelike with aulodic contest

Red-figure pelike, attributed to the Marsyas Painter





Ancient Greek Pottery