Side A: Four figures are visible on this side. On either side are female figures carrying long staffs; one of the figures at the left has raised her hand. All the figures wear long himations. At first glance this side suggests a ritual or religious procession rather than a dramatic mythological event. Two possibilities stand out: a scene relating to the Eleusinian Mysteries, or a processional rite belonging to the cult of Demeter and Persephone. The women carrying staffs may be priestesses or cult officials.
Side B: The features of the young figure at the centre accord with the classical iconography of Apollo: a young, beardless face, a diadem or wreath on the head, a laurel wreath in the left hand, and the right hand raised in a gesture of blessing or speech. The deer beside him, while not a direct emblem of Apollo, may evoke his association with nature and the hunt, and especially with his twin sister Artemis. The enthroned figure at the left is most probably a goddess — possibly Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis. Together with the female figures carrying spears or long staffs at the right, the group may represent the Delian Triad of Leto, Apollo and Artemis. Since the deer is Artemis's most important sacred animal, the cult of Artemis may also be considered. A second possibility is Demeter and Triptolemos: Triptolemos is the young hero who receives sacred knowledge from Demeter, goddess of agriculture; on some Attic vases Demeter is enthroned, the young Triptolemos stands before her, and Persephone is placed at her side.
Style: The work imitates the red-figure technique. The palmette frieze is finely executed and the volute handles are worked in detail. The proportions of the body reflect Attic volute kraters successfully.
This piece was reproduced using the terra sigillata technique, remaining faithful to the original ancient example.