Two fragments of a terracotta calyx-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water) 525 BC

These terracotta fragments, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, once formed part of a calyx-krater, a vessel used for mixing wine and water in ancient Greece. It was made by an artist from the so-called Pioneer Group. The black-figure technique, as seen here, was a dominant style in vase painting, particularly in Athens, reflecting the city’s thriving artistic culture and trade networks. These vessels were not merely functional; they were often commissioned for symposia, or aristocratic drinking parties, and also served as grave goods. The imagery, style, and shape all speak to the social rituals and values of the time. Archaeological reports, museum records, and studies of ancient Greek social customs are vital in understanding the cultural significance of such objects. By studying such fragments, historians can piece together narratives about ancient Greek life. We can ask, who was drinking from this vessel, and what was their relationship to civic society?