Geometric Terracotta Vase with Strainer, Spout, and Three Handles in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2008

Geometric Terracotta Vase with Strainer, Spout, and Three Handles
Greek (Attic, Geometric), late 8th- early 7th century BC

Accession # 60.11.4

While shapes of most vases correspond to an established typology, this unusual piece was probably produced for a specific purpose. The strainer at the top permitted the solid portion of the mixture to be separated from the liquid portion, which then could be poured through the spout. The bail handle at the top allowed the vase to be suspended; the two handles at the sides facilitated lifting and pouring.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.