This earliest period of Minoan pottery production, as determined by the position of pottery remnants in the layers of archaeological excavations, dates from approximately 3000-2000 BCE. Early styles include Incised Ware, in which lines and geometric patterns are scratched into the surface of the pottery, and Aghios Onouphrios Ware, in which patterns of red or black lines are painted over a light background. Vasilike Ware is pottery with an unevenly colored surface achieved by a particular firing process; the style may have been intended to mimic the look of stone vessels.
The Middle Minoan period dates from 2000 to 1550 BCE and is characterized by more complex, refined decoration. The introduction of the pottery wheel made possible the creation of more finely crafted pottery, and that in turn probably encouraged the development of a more sophisticated decorative style. Kamares Ware typically has designs consisting of light-colored, complex patterns, swirls and spirals on a dark polychromatic background, often painted in red and black. The designs are typically abstract, but human and animal figures sometimes appear.
The Late Minoan period dates from approximately 1550 to 1100 BCE. This period is characterized by a new preference for dark-on-light decoration and by the addition of more energetic and organic designs and representations, as well as simpler geometric and abstract designs. The Late Minoan period saw the creation of elaborate wall frescoes in palaces, and the decoration of pottery echoed motifs found in the frescoes. The Pattern Style uses geometric patterns similar to those used in fresco borders to cover the pottery. The Floral style, in contrast, covers the vessels with busy, flowing floral subjects.
Two styles dating from near the beginning of Late Minoan period, around 1600 to 1500 BCE, are unique and include some the finest examples of Minoan pottery. The Marine style typically is decorated with exuberant and naturalistic depictions of marine life, such as dolphins, fish, octopi and sea plants, and it is thought to show the influence of art from the island of Thera. The Alternating style is much more restrained, with two motifs that alternate around the circumference of the vessel.