Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Calyx-Krater; Attributed to the Kleophon Painter; ca. 440-435 BC; 178.94

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCalyx-Krater

About this objectThis vase was used for mixing wine and water in the symposium (drinking party).

On the zone below the lip of the krater is a band of laurel leaves. Side A depicts a complex story shown in a compressed fashion with elements from the middle and end of the story shown in the same scene. In the centre, a large ram rears up in a tripod cauldron heated below with wooden logs. On the left is an aged male, Pelias, King of Iolcus and Uncle of Jason, leaning on his staff and with his right hand to his head. He wears a himation (cloak). To the right is a woman, Medea, wife of Jason, who sprinkles herbs into the cauldron with her right hand from a small container that she holds in her left. She is dressed in a girt peplos (a long garment, which has extra material falling to the waist), kekryphalos (hairnet), and sandals.

Side B of the vessel features three cloaked youths. The central figure is turned to the right, his arms and hands totally enclosed in cloth; the outer figures face him, their arms outstretched. They are barefoot.

MakerAttributed to the Kleophon Painter

Maker RoleArtist

Date Madeca. 440-435 BC

PeriodClassical

Place MadeGreece

Medium and MaterialsCeramic: Pottery

Style and IconographyRed-figure

Style and IconographyAttic

TechniqueThrowing (pottery technique)

TechniqueRed-figure vase painting

MeasurementsHeight 256mm; Diameter 275mm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and mythology

Subject and Association KeywordsWomen in art

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased, 1994.

Object TypeDrinking Vessels

Object number178.94