Red-Figure Column Krater (Mixing Vessel): Komos (Revel)

470–460 BC

Red-Figure Column Krater (Mixing Vessel): Komos (Revel), 470–460 BC. Attributed to Pig Painter (Greek, Attic, active c. 480–460 BC). Ceramic; diameter: 40.4 cm (15 7/8 in.); overall: 41 cm (16 1/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Leonard C. Hanna 1924.197 Used for mixing wine and water at a symposium (or drinking party), this column-krater speaks to the perils and pleasures of drinking. On one side, a bearded man holding a staff and a drinking cup leans forward, a red stream of vomit falling from his mouth. Before him is a nude young boy, holding a tortoiseshell lyre and a basket or pail. On the other side, a young man dances, holding a deep cup and wearing just one boot. On the neck above him, scratched in large letters, is the name SIMONOS, probably indicating that the vase once belonged to someone named Simon. The bearded man on this vase is vomiting—perhaps a humorous warning against over imbibing.