Red-figured calyx krater (conventional name due to its shape, which resemble the calyx of a flower). Open vessel, usually of big size. It was used for mixing wine with water as in antiquity wine was drunk diluted with water. On the main side of the vase is depicted the Abduction of Europa. Following the myth Zeus, smitten by the beauty of Europa, daughter of the king of Phoenicia Agenor, took the shape of a snow-white bull in order to seduce her while she was picking flowers on the seashore. The princess, enchanted by this creature, mounted its back and she suddenly found herself flying over the sea, denoted here by the presence of fishes. Hermes leads the way for the bull-Zeus. The winged Eros, who follows, hints at the passion that will draw the god and the mortal into their divine union at Gortyn on Crete, where the couple landed. Eventually, Europa gives birth to three sons, Rhadamanthys, Sarpedon and Minos.  On the other side of the krater are three himation-clad youths in conversation.