Greek Bronze Trefoil Lipped Oinochoe

While terracotta vessels painted with scenes from mythology and daily life are among the most well known works of Greek art, these works were actually based on vessels forged from precious metals. Silver and bronze vessels and vases in all shapes and sizes decorated the villas of the elite upper classes. Surely guests at their elegant diner parties must have been impressed with the inherent wealth of the material and the quality of the workmanship. It was the desire of the middle classes to imitate these luxurious banquets that gave rise to the cannon of intricately painted terracotta vessels whose shape and function mimicked those of their metallic predecessors.

This bronze oinochoe is one such vessel that once would have rested on a diner table in an ancient Greek villa. We know that this piece could have only been afforded by an aristocratic family, and likely would have been accompanied by a variety of other plates, cups, and containers. Water or precious wines would have once been served from this vessel to admiring guests. Today, although the liquids no longer flow, it remains a gorgeous reminder of the festivities and pleasures of ancient Greek life.