Pottery is the first synthetic material ever created by humans. The term refers to objects made of clay that have been fashioned into a desire shape, dried, and either fired or baked to fix their form. Due to its abundance and durability, pottery is one of the most common types of items found by archaeologists during excavations, and it has the potential of providing valuable information about the human past." http://www.ancient.eu/pottery/
Water Jar with Dionysos and Poseidon, about 550 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
One of the most common shapes in Greek pottery, the Hydria was primarily for carrying water, but was also sometimes used as burial container for children
http://www.ancient.eu/article/489/
Red-figure amphora, Painter of the Louvre Gigantomachia, ca. 440 B.C., From the collection of: The Wilanów Palace Museum
This type of shape is called an "Amphora" is one of the most common Greek pottery forms. Defined by its two vertical neck-handles it was used to transport oil, food, or olives and typically had a lid.
Prize Vessel from the Athenian Games, 363 - 362 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
An Amphora type vessel, the narrow indicates this was used for more precious oils or other liquids which were poured in smaller quantity, though this item was a trophy piece and unlikely ever used for such.
Krater type pottery vessels have two handles and were used to mix water and wine. This is a Volute Krater in which the tops of the handles have a volute or scroll. The detail on the neck and handles of this vase are extremely intricate and ornate and were clearly the work of a highly skilled craftsman and artist.
Attic Black-Figure Panel-Amphora Type B, Medea Group, 530–520 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
In black-figure vase painting, figural and ornamental motifs were applied with a slip that turned black during firing, while the background was left the color of the clay
(http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/vase/hd_vase.htm)
Neck Amphora (storage jar): Herakles and the Nemean Lion; Theseus and the Minotaur, The Antimenes Painter, 540 BCE - 530 BCE, From the collection of: Harvard Art Museums
Pottery was often painted with scenes depicting everyday life, or representing specific cultures beliefs or spiritual practices.
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