Antimenes Painter Greek Hydria 530-500 B.C. Slip-glazed earthenware 20-1/8 inches high The John R. Van Derlip Fund 61.59

Several types of UTILITARIAN vases (vases used for eating, cooking, and storage) were made in ancient Greece. The hydria was used to carry water from a communal fountain. The side handles were used to lift it onto a woman's head for carrying, and the vertical handle at the back was used for pouring or for carrying the jar when empty. Even though this vase was made to be functional, great attention was given to its design and decoration. The elegant shape and elaborate decoration tell us that the Greeks placed a high value on beauty: even utilitarian vessels had to be beautiful.

Key ideas.
Where does it come from?
What does it look like?
How was it used?
How was it made?
Discussion questions.
Additional resources.

Select another piece.