Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water)
ca. 460–450 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
H. 32.51 cm.
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1941
Accession Number
41.162.10
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant terracotta column-krater, created around 460–450 BCE by the Cleveland Painter, exemplifies the refined artistry of Classical Greek pottery from Athens. Standing just over 32 centimeters tall, the vessel was designed as a practical mixing bowl for wine and water at symposia and festivals. Its sturdy column-like handles and balanced proportions reflect the technical mastery of Attic ceramic workshops during this period. The krater’s painted decoration centers on Dionysus, the god of wine, accompanied by his ecstatic followers—maenads and satyrs. These lively scenes underscore the v...