Terracotta bell-krater (mixing bowl) 360 BC

This terracotta bell-krater, or mixing bowl, was made by Asteas, an ancient Greek potter and vase painter. The vessel's form was achieved by throwing malleable clay on a spinning wheel, after which it was fired in a kiln. This process shrinks the clay and hardens it into a more durable material. The smooth, continuous surface displays figures painted with a fine brush. The contrast between the black background and the reddish-orange figures is achieved by controlling the amount of oxygen during the firing process, a sophisticated technique. This krater testifies to the skilled labor that went into ancient ceramics, from extracting and preparing the clay, to forming, firing, and painting. It embodies the artistic value placed on craftsmanship in ancient Greece, a testament to the time and expertise invested in its creation. Ultimately, it challenges our modern separation of art and craft.