Vase Catalog Number: Malibu 81.AE.78

Inscriptions:

On side A, Europa, Scylla, Triton, and Pothos are each labelled, EURÔPÊ, SKULA, TRITÔN, and POTHOS. In the triangular frames above the main scene, Zeus, Crete, and Hermes are labelled on the left--ZEUS, KRÊTÊ, and hERMÊS--and Adonis and Aphrodite on the right--ADONIS and APHRODITÊ.

Parallels:

The krater most comparable to this in shape is in San Antonio (see Trendall 1987, pp. 84-85, 90-92, no. 128, pl. 48). The foot is close in shape and pattern to another, probably also by Asteas (see Trendall 1987, p. 92, 2/129A, pl. 51b). Other Dionysiac scenes by Asteas are seen on Naples 3412, Madrid 11094, San Antonio 275, and Naples 3226.

Condition:

Parts of the rim are restored.

Shape Description:

The vessel has a flaring mouth and overhanging lip. The elongated, slightly concave body has an offset band at the top. The handles are set high and curve upward, turning sharply in at the top. On the stem is a relief band between two thin reserved grooves. Where the stem meets the foot is a wide overhanging lip. Another relief band is seen between two reserved grooves on the stem's outward curve toward the foot. The foot has three portions, with a flange at the top. The upper most portion is reserved, as is the groove where it joins the edge of the stem.

Sources Used:

CVA, USA 27, Malibu 4, pp. 45-47, pls. 231-234

Other Bibliography:

M. Jentoft-Nilsen, "A Krater by Asteas," Greek Vases in the Getty 1 (1983), pp. 139-148, figs. 1-4; O. Taplin, Greek Fire (London, 1989), p. 67, p. 66 (ill.); E. Zahn, Europa und der Stier (Würzburg, 1983), p. 122, no. 66; Trendall 1987, p. 85, no. 2/129, pls. 49-51a, and pp. 92-94; Trendall 1989, pp. 200-201, figs. 349-350; LIMC, III, s. v. "Eros," p. 933, no. 1013; LIMC, IV, s. v. "Europe I," p. 80, no. 74, pl. 38.

(Deirdre Beyer-Honça)