Bucchero ware was the produce of Ancient Etruria and differs to its Attic counterpart in that the deep black colour was obtained during firing. Potters would reduce the oxygen supply to the kiln, allowing the flames to draw oxygen from the iron oxide within the clay. The result was that the clay changed colour in the process, from deep red to a dark black. A high shine could be achieved on Bucchero ware through polishing. Attic pottery in contrast had a black slip applied onto the vivid red clay.
To discover more about Ancient Greek pottery, please visit our relevant blog post: Collecting Ancient Greek Vases.