Hydria

For the moth genus, see Hydria (moth). For the town of ancient Paros, see Hydria (Paros).
"Kalpis" redirects here. Not to be confused with Calpis.

Hydria
A hydria, c. 470–450 BC
MaterialCeramic and bronze
SizeMedium-volume container varying from 25cm to 50 cm, able to be carried by one or more people.
WritingPainters would sometimes inscribe their name onto the hydria.
SymbolsMythological stories were often painted onto the hydria, as well as scenes of daily life, such as the collection of water.
CreatedGeometric period, archaic period, classical period Hellenistic period
Discovered19th century
CultureAncient Greek
Red-figure hydria, c. 360–350 BC, from Paestum; the vertical handle used for pouring is located on the opposite side (Department of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Louvre).
Bronze hydria / kalpis with siren handle attachment, c. 460–450 BC, housed in the Vassil Bojkov Collection, Sofia, Bulgaria

The hydria (Greek: ὑδρία; pl.: hydriai) is a form of Greek pottery from between the late Geometric period (7th century BC) and the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC).[1] The etymology of the word hydria was first noted when it was stamped on a hydria itself, its direct translation meaning 'jug'.[2]

It is a type of water-carrying vessel, but it had many other purposes.[1] As time progressed the hydria developed into many forms, some of which were smaller or of a different material. These variants were decorated with detailed figures to represent Greek mythological stories, as well as scenes of daily life, providing extensive insight into Ancient Greek culture and society.

  1. ^ a b Hemingway, Colette. "Greek Hydriai (Water Jars) and Their Artistic Decoration". www.metmuseum.org. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  2. ^ Birch, Samuel (1873). History of Ancient Pottery... Illustrated with coloured plates and numerous engravings. J. Murray. pp. 80–82. OCLC 1358252.