Greek Campanian Red Figure Bell Krater

A red-figure bell krater with with notable added white details. On side (a), it showcases a depiction of a woman moving to her right while holding a cista. She is dressed in a chiton, cinched at the waist, with a himation draped over her left arm, and her hair is adorned with a saccos. The other side (b) features the profile head of a young woman wearing a patterned saccos, a radiated stephane, intricate earrings, and a necklace made of beads. Beneath the handles, you can see palmettes intertwined with floral elements, while a band of spiral hooks decorates the lower part of the vessel. Notably, there’s an open window design within the field. This artwork is attributed to the Spouted Skythos Group, from Capua.

Footnotes

Bell kraters were commonly used in regions of ancient Italy for mixing and serving wine during communal gatherings, thanks to their wide shape and flared mouth. These vessels also served as artistic expressions, reflecting the cultural tastes of the time.

Published

Charles Ede Ltd, 120 Antiquities, 1981, no. 5.