Apulian Red-Figure Volute Krater with Gorgon Masks and Stele
Apulian Red-Figure Volute krater c. 300-500 BC the shoulder affixed with two handles bearing Gorgon masks on either side terminating in two loops with swans heads, the neck with a female profile head amidst palmettes and scrolling flowers, one side painted with a stele flanked by figures wearing peplos, restored
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- Krater - A Greek krater is a large vessel that was used in ancient Greece for mixing wine and water. The word "krater" comes from the Greek word "kraino," which means "to mix." In ancient Greece it was considered bad form to drink undiluted wine.
Kraters were used in symposia, or Greek drinking parties, where they were placed in the centre of the room and used to mix wine with water. The mixture was then poured into individual cups and served to the guests.
Kraters were often elaborately decorated with scenes from mythology or daily life, and could be made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, bronze, and marble.
There were several different types of kraters in ancient Greece, and they can be grouped according to the shape of the two handles, or of the vessel itself:- A Volute krater has handles shaped like the volutes on an Ionic capital, whereas a column krater has columnar handles.
- A calyx krater is shaped flower bud, while a bell krater is shaped like a bell.
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