The wide-mouthed bell krater was designed for mixing wine with water. This superb vessel may once have been used at a symposium, or drinking party, an occasion for philosophical discussion as well as drinking and music. The obverse depicts a naked male in the centre, seated and wearing a sakkos in his hair. In his left hand he holds a thyrsus, at the same time turning his head to face the draped female behind him. A bearded satyr stands to the viewer’s far left, wearing a fillet and raising a cup in his hand. To the right of the central figure hovers a winged Eros who unites the seated male and the woman to the far right by touching them both with his outstretched arms. The woman is heavily draped and appears to be dancing. The laurel motif adorns the band beneath the rim and the meander design forms the groundline. The figures are flanked on both sides by the palmette complex.The reverse shows three heavily draped males. The figure to the viewer’s far left clutches a tympanum and the central figure leans on a staff. The figure on the far right gesticulates towards the other two. - (AM.0077)

Antiquities
Ancient Unknown