Careful control of the firing process allowed Greek potters to oxidise the body of the pot, turning it red, by keeping the kiln well ventilated. The vase is decorated in the 'red figure' technique in which the areas surrounding the figures are painted in a slip (mixture of clay and water), leaving the red pottery showing through. These formed the nucleus for Hope's own collection of vases, which he displayed at Duchess Street. In 1801 Hope purchased the second collection of ancient vases formed by Sir William Hamilton, formerly the British Ambassador to the Naples court. (1807), illustrating objects he had designed for his London house at Duchess Street. The most important of these publications was Household Furniture and Interior Decoration. The vase was once owned by Thomas Hope (1769-1831), the collector, connoisseur, patron and designer, who published a number of influential books of designs. The krater was an ancient Greek vase with two handles that was used to mix wine and water.

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