Handmade Antique Decoration

A collection of handmade home and garden items inspired by Anatolia

From Coffee to Crafts: A Journey of Decor Discovery

Living in İzmir, I own a boutique coffee shop called BencMark. This city, known for its rich craftsmanship and antique-style creations, has deeply inspired me.

Residing in a charming stone house, my quest to decorate it led me to discover an array of beautiful handmade items. This journey ignited a passion for collecting and appreciating exquisite decor pieces.

Now, I aim to share the wonderful items that adorn my stone house and coffee shop, while also funding my quest for new and diverse decor treasures.

Handcrafted ceramic pot, antique pottery, and amphora from Izmir
Handcrafted ceramic pot, antique pottery, and amphora from Izmir
a shelf filled with lots of clay vases

Amphorae and Ancient Jugs in Anatolia

YAmphorae are two-handled pottery vessels widely used in the Mediterranean region during antiquity for storing olive oil, wine, and other liquids. They were produced and used in Anatolia for centuries.

Amphorae were typically hand-shaped and fired in kilns. Their size and shape varied depending on their intended use. Some amphorae were tall and narrow to facilitate transport. Others were wider and rounder and could store more liquid.

Amphorae were not only used for storage but also for decoration. Decorated with geometric patterns, figures, and inscriptions, amphorae were an important part of ancient Greek and Roman art.

In ancient Greece and Rome, amphorae also played a vital role in trade. Wine, olive oil, and other goods were transported by sea in amphorae. The markings on amphorae provided information about the origin and producer of the goods.

Amphorae produced in Anatolia are a significant indicator of trade and cultural interaction with the ancient Mediterranean world. These handmade pottery vessels offer valuable insights into the daily life of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.