This prodigious vessel dates from the 6th century BCE, and represents an important cultural narrative from ancient Greek mythology. The artifact was produced in Athens and incorporates a dinos (wine bowl) and a designated stand.
Constructed from terracotta, the artifact features the traditional black-figure style that characterises ancient Greek pottery. This style is defined by black silhouettes that depict figures and scenes, contrasted against the natural red colouration of clay. The subject matter is inscribed with fine lines that expose the red clay beneath, attributing detail and durability to the artifact.
The artifact's bowl exhibits the use of slender incised lines in the representation of the wedding procession, a significant event within Greek mythology. The individual attributes of specific deities are identifiable within the scene, providing understanding of the ancient Greek pantheon. Figures such as Zeus and Hera, among others, are included in the design.
The accompanying stand is decorated with combat scenes between Greeks and Amazons. This repeated motif represents the ongoing conflict between civilisation and barbarism, a prevalent theme within ancient Greek art. Each scene is intricately detailed, demonstrating the deliberate positioning of figures and their subsequent attributes.
The geometric patterns that compliment the narrative scenes add an additional layer of aesthetic intricacy to the artifact. These motifs, including lion and lotus bud designs, become progressively complex as they ascend from the base of the stand to the dinos.
The artifact presents a valuable opportunity to analyze the cultural and social aspects of ancient Athens. The presented wedding scene communicates the believed overlap of the divine and mortal worlds, while the specific war scenes on the stand emphasize the glorification of military strength, indicative of the time period's socio-political climate.
