Kalpis (water vessel)

Place of OriginGreece, Attica

Dateabout 360 BCE

DimensionsH: 16 in. (40.6 cm); Diam (at widest point): 9 1/4 in.

MediumBlack Glaze; Wheel-thrown, slip-decorated earthenware with applied details

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1969.372

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic

Label TextAlthough this vessel is not something the average person would have owned, it is still more “everyday” than the silver version next to it. The shiny black glaze imitates costly silver, which the ancient Greeks usually left unpolished (and thus dark with tarnish). Bits of clay were applied around the neck to mold a wreath of myrtle leaves and berries, painted red to imitate gold. The shape is practical: two horizontal handles at the side for carrying, and a vertical handle at the back for pouring.Published ReferencesLuckner, Kurt T., "Greek vases: shapes and uses," Toledo Museum of Art Museum News, vol. 15, no.3, p. 68, 70, repr. fig. 10.

Boulter, Cedric G., and Kurt T. Luckner, Corpus vasorum antiquorum: Toledo Museum of Art, U.S.A. Fasc. 17, Toledo, 1976, p. 38, repr. pl. 59 and 60,2.

Comparative ReferencesSee also Pollak, Ludwig and Antionio Munoz, Pieces de Choix de la COllection du Comte Gregoire Stroganoff a Rome, Rome, 1912, vol. 1, p. 62, pl. XLIII, no. 2.