Richard Daniel D e PumaA bucchero pesante column krater (Fig. 53.8a—b) illustrates another shape derived from
Corinthian prototypes but elaborated with a plethora of new Etruscan ornaments.32 The
basic Greek shape is retained but, in addition to the usual columnar handles, two struts
modeled in the form of human masks are added between the shoulder and the rim (Fig.
53.8b). Ornamenting the shoulder and belly is a series of palmettes and small female heads
in relief. When the large scale is added to the elaborate decorative scheme, the overall
effect is one of great richness and complexity. In these impressive productions, achieving
those qualities was surely the goal of many potters. Metal vessels are an obvious source
of inspiration and some of these bucchero pesante vases even have clay “rivets” holding the
handles in place. This column krater, as well as the related parallels and similarly decorated
hydriai, stamnoi, amphoras and other shapes, are all associated with workshops in Vulci.33
Etruscan kantharoi, the popularity of which continues throughout the sixth century
bc, undergo a similar pesante embellishment. An example in Iowa City (Fig. 53*9a-b) will
illustrate the changes.34 The basic kantharos shape with its distinctive tall ribbon handles
Figure 53-8a-b Bucchero pesante column krater, provenance unknown, circa 600-550 BC. University of
Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City, inv. 1970.57. Photographs by B. Yarborough.Figure 53.9a-b Bucchero pesante kantharos, provenance unknown, sixth century bc. University of Iowa
Museum of Art, Iowa City, inv. 1971.249. Photographs by B. Yarborough.a ba b