Bronze water jar (Hydria)
Bronze water jar (Hydria)
3D
Published 2017-04-07T15:39:52+00:00
Bronze hydriai dating from the 4th century BC have a slimmer form than earlier examples, and two-figured reliefs replace the winged Sirens that decorate the bodies of 5th century hydriai. This example has the lovers Eros and Psyche. The handles, neck, foot and reliefs were madfe of cast bronxe, while the bodies were hammered from sheet metal. The relieds are of a similar style and technique to those that adorn mirror covers. The decorative elements were silvered to contrast with the golden patina of the bronze. THe few surviving bronze hydriai have such a similar form and design, to suggest that there were limited workshops, perhaps only one or two, exporting the vessels as luxury items. They were used to pour libations and, in a secondary use, us urns for ashes.
| Date published | 07/04/2017 |
| Title | Bronze water jar (Hydria) |
| Date | 325-300 BC |
| Accession | GR 1859.11-29.5-6 |
| Period | Classical Greek |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Place | British Museum |
