4.2 Shapes and functions of vessels

Greek pottery vessels came in various shapes, each designed for specific purposes. From storage amphorae to drinking kylikes, these vessels played crucial roles in daily life, rituals, and trade. Their forms evolved over time, reflecting changing tastes and needs.

The function of pottery vessels was closely tied to their shapes. Wide-mouthed kraters were perfect for mixing wine, while narrow-necked amphorae kept liquids fresh during transport. Personal grooming items found homes in small, specialized containers like pyxides and aryballoi.

Greek Pottery Shapes

Common Vessel Types

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• Amphora: Tall, two-handled vessel used for storing and transporting liquids (wine and oil)
  • Narrow neck, pointed base
  • Further classified into neck, belly, and one-piece amphora based on shape
• Krater: Large, wide-mouthed vessel used for mixing wine with water
  • Two handles
  • Comes in various shapes (column, volute, calyx, and bell kraters)
• Hydria: Three-handled vessel used for carrying and pouring water
  • Two horizontal handles on the sides for lifting
  • Vertical handle at the back for pouring
• Kylix: Shallow, stemmed drinking cup with two horizontal handles used for drinking wine
  • Wide, shallow bowl and a tall, slender stem

Specialized Vessel Types

• Oinochoe: Wine jug with a trefoil-shaped mouth and a single handle used for pouring wine into drinking cups
• Lekythos: Tall, slender vessel with a narrow neck and a single handle, used for storing and pouring oil (funerary purposes)
• Pyxis: Small, cylindrical box with a separate lid used for storing cosmetics, jewelry, or other small objects
• Alabastron: Small, elongated vessel with a narrow neck and no handles, used for storing perfume or oil
• Aryballos: Small, globular vessel with a narrow neck and a single handle, used for storing perfume or oil (associated with athletes)
• Askos: Small, globular vessel with a spout and a handle, resembling a wineskin, used for pouring small amounts of liquid

Function of Pottery Vessels

Storage and Transportation

• Vessels with narrow necks and small openings (amphora, lekythos, alabastron, aryballos) are designed to prevent spillage and evaporation of their contents
  • Suitable for storing and transporting liquids
• Amphora, due to its sturdy shape and handles, was primarily used for long-term storage and transportation of wine and oil
  • Used in both domestic and commercial contexts

Mixing and Serving

• Wide-mouthed vessels (kraters) are designed for mixing wine with water
  • Common practice in ancient Greek symposia
• Vessels with spouts or trefoil-shaped mouths (oinochoe, askos) are designed for controlled pouring of liquids
  • Particularly used for pouring wine
• Drinking cups (kylix) are designed with shallow bowls and handles to facilitate the consumption of wine

Personal Use and Grooming

• Vessels with separate lids (pyxis) are designed for secure storage of small, valuable objects
• Pyxides, alabastra, and aryballoi were associated with personal grooming and hygiene
  • Used to store cosmetics, perfumes, and oils

Shape and Use in Ancient Greece

Daily Life and Household Activities

• Hydriai were used for fetching and storing water from fountains
  • Daily task typically performed by women in ancient Greek households
• Pyxides, alabastra, and aryballoi were used for storing cosmetics, perfumes, and oils
  • Associated with personal grooming and hygiene

Social Gatherings and Rituals

• Kraters were essential in symposia, where wine was mixed with water before being served to guests
  • Reflects the social importance of communal drinking in ancient Greece
• Kylikes were the primary drinking vessels used in symposia
  • Reflects the social and cultural significance of wine consumption in ancient Greek society
• Lekythoi were closely associated with funerary rituals
  • Used to store oil for anointing the dead and as grave offerings

Evolution of Vessel Shape and Function

Geometric Era (900-700 BCE)

• Vessels characterized by simple, abstract shapes and decorations
  • Focus on functionality

Archaic Period (700-480 BCE)

• Vessel shapes became more refined and diverse
  • Introduction of new forms (kylix)
  • Development of distinct regional styles

Classical Period (480-323 BCE)

• Vessel shapes reached their peak of refinement, with a balance between form and function
  • Red-figure technique allowed for more naturalistic and detailed decorations

Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE)

• Shift towards more elaborate and ornate vessel shapes
  • Complex handles and molded decorations
  • Reflects the influence of Eastern luxury and changing tastes of the elite
• Basic functions of vessels remained largely the same throughout these periods
  • Shapes and decorations evolved to reflect changing social, cultural, and aesthetic preferences