Mycenaean amphoroid krater with painted figures

National Archeological Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Ceramic pottery with black painted decoration on buff clay
Date range: Late Helladic IIIB Period, ca 1300-1180 BC
Origin: Mycenaean Greece

The krater features a main decorative frieze showing human figures rendered in black paint against the light clay background. Between the figures are ornamental spiral motifs and geometric patterns characteristic of Mycenaean artistic traditions.

The vessel shows extensive restoration work with many fragments carefully pieced together to reconstruct its original form. The upper portion displays horizontal painted bands, while the lower body features additional geometric striping and decorative elements.

This type of large krater served as a mixing vessel for wine and water during ceremonial gatherings and symposia. The elaborate painted decoration reflects the sophisticated artistic culture of Late Bronze Age Mycenaean civilization with its emphasis on both figural representation and geometric ornamentation.

Museum label reference: Mycenaean amphoroid krater, Late Helladic IIIB Period, (ca 1300-1180 BC)

Original Text: Μυκηναϊκός αμφοροειδής κρατήρας, Υστεροελλαδική IIIB Περίοδος (1300-1180 π.Χ. περ.) C-1948-164

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Large Mycenaean ceramic krater decorated with human figures and geometric designs from Late Bronze Age Greece

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Source:  Athens, Greece