Paestan Fish Plate with Octopus

Paestan Fish Plate with OctopusCleveland Red Figure Fish Plate Paestan Sea Life This striking fish plate is inspired by an exceptional South Italian original from Paestum, dating to around 340330 BCE and now in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Belonging to the rich tradition of Paestan red figure pottery, the ancient prototype gathers an abundant world of Mediterranean sea life around the central recess, with the octopus as its most animated and dramatic presence. In our reproduction,

Cleveland Red Figure Fish Plate – Paestan Sea Life

This striking fish plate is inspired by an exceptional South Italian original from Paestum, dating to around 340–330 BCE and now in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Belonging to the rich tradition of Paestan red-figure pottery, the ancient prototype gathers an abundant world of Mediterranean sea life around the central recess, with the octopus as its most animated and dramatic presence.

In our reproduction, this marine abundance has been thoughtfully simplified. Rather than repeating the crowded variety of the original in full, our master vase painter has focused on a more balanced and elegant composition: three stylised Mediterranean fish of bream- and perch-like type, small shell forms, and a beautifully rendered octopus whose long tentacles expand across the surface and seem to reach toward the walls of the plate. This gives the piece a stronger sense of rhythm and movement, while preserving the lively spirit of the ancient model.

The result is a fish plate that feels both faithful and fresh: a homage to Magna Graecia vase painting, yet with a clarity that allows each creature to breathe. The contrast between the deep black ground and the warm clay-toned figures enhances the decorative power of the design, making this plate an especially attractive display piece.

Dimensions: D 27 cm, H 5,0 cm