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Greek pottery was used in commercial trade as containers for commodities like finished textiles,
fruits and oils. However, Greek vases were also traded as objects of beauty, independent of the
value of whatever was being transported inside of them. Finely decorated Greek vases
possessed their own commercial value, as Greek vases could be found throughout the
Mediterranean as early as the seventh century BCE. Greek pottery workshops varied in size;
with some just large enough for an owner and assistant, while others employed dozens of
workers. It was common for two painters to collaborate on a larger pot, as certain craftsmen
specialized in particular shapes or glazing techniques.