The White Ground technique (technically, a special type of red-figure ware) comes into use in the late 6th century and reaches its peak development in the Classical period.

The painter covers the vase in a chalky white slip and then paints in the figures, often using a variety of colors. The result is somewhat reminiscent of ancient frescos.

This technique is associated mainly with small lekythoi which were dedicated as grave offerings.

Decoration:

• at first figures were drawn in black silhouette with incised details
• then drawn as in red figure (little colour)
• later tempera colours added after firing (red, yellow, blue, purple, green, mauve, pink for drapery and details)
• eventually outline and detail of figures were drawn in matt paint

White ground vases we study in Year 13:

Penthesileia Painter, 460-450, pyxis pp.67-68
Achilles Painter, 450-440, lekythos  p.71