III. THE DECORATION OF THE VASE
a. Black-figured Technique.
(1) Application of red ochre over the whole surface.
Traces of the red ochre solution on black-figured vases are not common; so that it is possible that its application was not a regular proceeding.
(2) Preliminary sketch for design.
As this was completely covered by the black glaze afterwards and there are therefore only occasional traces of it now (cf. e.g. Furtwängler u. Reichhold, Griechische Vasenmalerei, I, pl. 4), it is uncertain, though inherently probable, that such a sketch was generally made.
(3) Painting of the design, including figures, decorative motives, and backgrounds, in black glaze.
(4) Incision of details.
(5) Addition of purple and white accessory colors.
b. Red-figured Technique.
(1) Application of red ochre over the whole surface.
(2) Preliminary sketch for design with a blunt instrument.
(3) Painting of the design, the decorative motives, and the solid black surfaces.
The process of the figure painting was as follows: the outlines of the figures were indicated outside the spaces intended for them, first with a narrow line, then with a broader contour stripe; then the details within the red silhouette, and sometimes the outlines, were painted in black glaze lines; finally the background was filled in with the black glaze.
(4) Addition of accessory colors if needed.