The wide-mouthed bell krater was designed for
mixing wine with water. This superb vessel may
have been utilised at a symposium, or drinking
party, an occasion for philosophical discussion
as well as drinking and music.
The obverse depicts two warriors, both turned
towards a draped male figure standing on the
viewer’s left. This figure, wearing a sakkon,
gesticulates at the nearest warrior, who leans
back in a relaxed fashion with his legs crossed
and his left arm resting on his shield. The second
warrior holds his shield high on his shoulder and
both wear short belted patterned tunics and
helmets. The figures are flanked on both sides
by a palmette complex. A laurel design adorns
the band beneath the rim, and a meander motif
is repeated around the lower register.
The reverse shows two young draped males
turned towards a third male, perhaps a tutor,
who motions with his hands. The form of the
composition mirrors that of the obverse, A
wreath and a rectangular object, possibly a pinax
(votive plaque), are depicted in the field. Again, a
palmette complex frames these wonderfully
animated figures. A tongue motif surrounds the
handles.
