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Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)

ca. 560–500 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 170
Large column-kraters with decorative straps bridging the gap between shoulder and rim are typical of bucchero workshops in the Vulci area during the sixth century B.C. This bucchero pesante (heavy bucchero) example is unusual in that it has six straps, rather than the normal two, and the largest are decorated with striding lions, not human masks. A truncated warrior, equipped with crested helmet, armor or cloak, and two large spears, appears on the four smaller straps. The shape is ultimately derived from Corinthian metallic and ceramic models. When they have human masks, the straps may derive from a type of Corinthian pyxis (cosmetics jar). Thus, the Etruscan potter, although inspired by Greek models, has created an entirely new hybrid.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)
  • Period: Archaic
  • Date: ca. 560–500 BCE
  • Culture: Etruscan
  • Medium: Terracotta; bucchero pesante
  • Dimensions: H. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); diameter of mouth 13 9/16 in. (34.5 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1916
  • Object Number: 16.174.8
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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