Terracotta hydria (water jar)

Art Historical Context

This charming terracotta hydria, water jar, hails from Euboea, a vibrant Greek island known for its pottery workshops in the Archaic period (c. 800–480 BCE). Dating to the mid-6th century, this modestly sized vessel—standing just under 9 inches tall—was a practical everyday object in ancient households, used to fetch, store, and pour water thanks to its distinctive three handles: two horizontal ones for lifting and a vertical one for pouring. Euboean potters blended influences from neighboring Attic and Corinthian styles creating wares that were both functional and beautifully decorated. Craf...