The microchemistry of the black gloss decoration layer on black- and red-fi
gured Attic vases (6th to 4th century BC) has been studied by means of sele
cted-area x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron micr
oscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), The results show that the
Attic black gloss is obtained from an illitic clay, enriched in iron oxide
particles, that is applied on the vase body and fired in an oxidizing-reduc
ing-oxidizing cycle at a top temperature of similar to 950 degrees C, Furth
ermore, the results disclose the presence in the black gloss of iron grains
with a complex structure, constituted hy discrete areas of single phases w
ith Fe3+, Fe2+ and Fe-0. These particles are finely dispersed in a vitreous
Al-K- and Fe-enriched silicate where also Fe-C and C-C carbon atoms are pr
esent. The information about the raw materials and the firing process shows
that the production of Attic vases is important for the history of the art
as well as of the ceramic technology, Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons
, Ltd.