In this work, purely geometric motifs take the place of a bird frieze. Compositions of this type reflect the aesthetic of the Greek Geometric period (900–700 BC).
There is no distinct figure or mythological scene on this plate; the expression is entirely symbolic and rhythmic. The central rosette is one of the most characteristic motifs of the Geometric period; it is thought to symbolise the sun, cosmic order, the cycle of life and the centre of the universe. The motif appears not only in Greek art but also in the Early Iron Age ornament of the Aegean and Anatolia. Radial lines — the dark bands spreading outward from the centre reinforce the idea of movement, light, order and symmetry; repetition, the fundamental principle of geometric art, is clearly visible here. The outer band — palmette or bud-like leaf motifs, spiral (volute) motifs, triangles, cruciform rosettes and parallel lines. All of these are basic decorative elements of the Geometric-period ceramic repertoire: triangles evoke the mountain or architecture, the spiral infinity and continuity, the rosette the sun, and the leaf/palmette life and nature.
This piece was reproduced using the terra sigillata technique, remaining faithful to the original ancient example.