Terracotta calyx-krater (mixing bowl) 350 BC

This terracotta calyx-krater, or mixing bowl, was crafted by the Konnakis Group, showcasing their mastery of pottery. The vessel’s form and painted decoration, particularly the red-figure technique, are born from a deep understanding of the material. The clay, carefully shaped, has been fired to achieve a rich, dark surface, with the figures rendered in a contrasting red. This effect wasn't achieved with paint, but rather a sophisticated manipulation of oxygen levels in the kiln. This highlights the maker's skill and control over the firing process. Originally, pieces like this would have been produced at an industrial scale, involving various individuals doing specific tasks. The painted imagery, of a figure in a state of revelry, suggests the bowl's use in social or ritual contexts, like symposia, where wine was mixed and consumed. Such works allow us to appreciate pottery not just as functional objects, but as artifacts with social significance.