Cleveland Museum of Art

Red-Figure Fish Plate: Octopi, Mullet, Bream, Shellfish

Asteas/Python Workshop

Date

c. 340–330 BCE

Medium

ceramic

Culture

South Italian, Paestan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Although first developed in Athens, red-figure fish plates became especially popular in South Italy and Sicily in the 300s BC. All feature a short foot and a small central depression, but those produced in the workshop of Asteas and Python, like this one, are the largest and most ornate. Archaeologists have closely studied the fish and other sea creatures represented, identifying many of them with species still found (and eaten) in the Mediterranean; included here are octopi, mullet, bream, and various shellfish. Perfect for serving seafood, this plate features images of sea creatures and a central well for dipping or collecting juices.

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