The artwork, titled “Terracotta Calyx Krater (bowl for Mixing Wine and Water),” is an exemplary piece of Ancient Greek Pottery dating back to circa 430 BC. This classical period artifact, composed of terracotta, is part of the Red-figure series and resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, New York, US. It belongs to the art movement known as Classical and falls under the genre of mythological painting and utensil use.
This terracotta calyx krater demonstrates the red-figure technique popular during the Classical period of Ancient Greece, where red clay figures are prominent against a contrasting black background. The primary use of the krater was to mix wine and water, a common practice in ancient Greek symposia. The artwork features intricate mythological scenes, likely depicting figures from Greek mythology. The craftsmanship showcases meticulous detailing in the depictions of human forms and attire, enhanced with floral and geometric patterns adorning the rim and base, illustrating the artistic prowess and cultural significance of the period.