Terracotta Hadra hydria (water jar)

late 3rd century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
This is a "dropped floor" hydria, so-called because the floor of the vessel is extended down into its tall foot increasing the overall capacity. The ovoid body and sharply offset shoulder and neck are also characteristic of this shape. The silhouette style, which was commonly used on these hydriae, is shown off to good effect in the well preserved floral and geometric patterns that decorate this vase.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta Hadra hydria (water jar)
  • Period: Hellenistic
  • Date: late 3rd century BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Ptolemaic, Cretan
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: h. 17 13/16 in. (45.3 cm); d. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Purchase, 1890
  • Object Number: 90.9.14
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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