Greek vases
, such as this krater, are classified according to their shapes.
Greek vases, unlike the vases of other ancient cultures, are classified according to their shapes. Archaeologists and classicists have identified approximately 100 different types of Greek vases, many of which have several sub-types. The major vase styles appear again and again at ancient sites--in Greece and abroad.
Amphora
An amphora is an ancient Greek vase characterized by two carrying handles and a narrow neck. Amphorae (plural of "amphora") had pointed feet, called toes, on their bases that allowed them to be stored upright; they would be stored either by being stacked together or by being positioned in soft ground. Amphorae could be any size as long as they featured the three features characteristic of this vase style.
Krater
Krater vases are so-called because they were used to mix wine with water; the word "krater" is derived from a Greek verb meaning "to mix." Kraters has different shapes. A bell krater, for example, had a wide mouth and a deep bowl that was shaped like a bell. A calyx krater had a bowl that was shaped like a flower's calyx (or the sheath of a bud). These vases had bases so that they could stand independently.
Kylix
A kylix, an ancient Greek vase, is a two-handled drinking cup with a stemmed foot. Sometimes ceremonial, the kylix shape remained consistent through the seventh century BC. In the second quarter of the sixth century BC, the kylix adopts a longer stem, which would come to characterize it.
Lekythos
A lekythos is a flask-type vase used to contain oils, perfumes and condiments, such as olive oil. It had a cylindrical body with a narrow neck, a deep mouth and a single handle. The handle of a lekythos begins at the shoulder of the vase and ends just below its neck. It had a flat base so that it could stand independently. The term "lekythos" could describe several types of vases, although it's most generally used for this specific shape of vase.
Loutrophoros
A loutrophorus was used in ritual contexts, such as in weddings and funerals. Its name means "carrier of washing water," and it was used, for example, to carry water for a bridal bath or to carry water for washing a corpse. The vase is typically tall with a long, narrow neck, a slender but rounded body, two curved handles and a wide, saucer-like mouth.
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