The krater design style of ancient Greek pottery gets its name from a word meaning "mix," as the purpose of clay pots made in this style were used to mix water and wine before being served. Kraters were probably most often used during drinking parties or large family meals, as they are large bowls that can accommodate large amounts of liquid, which was traditionally ladled into smaller drinking cups, called "kylix," or other vessels.
Hydrias were specifically designed by ancient ceramists of Greece to hold and pour water, and its name stems from the Greek word "hydor," which means "water." These water pitchers, known as hydriai in the plural, typically featured oval bodies, one vertical handles and two horizontal handles to accommodate its use as both water transporter and distributor. In addition to drawing and storing water, hydriai were used as ballot boxes during elections and as urns to hold ashes of the dead.
Lekythos is the name given to ceramic pots and vessels of ancient Greece that were traditionally used to store various types of oil. These ancient Greek oil bottles had a squat, yet tall, square shape, a narrow neck, small mouth and a single vertical handle. Lekythos-style ceramic vases were used as containers for condiments, perfumes and essential oils used in cosmetics, as well as to pour libations for the dead or left as an offering at the deceased's grave.
Amphora-style ceramic vases were used throughout ancient Greece to transport and store liquids, olives, grain, herbs and other items. These pottery items were made in all shapes and sizes, and always featured two vertical handles on each side, a wide body and a long, narrow neck, and some were even made with fitted lids. The name "amphora" means "two-handled carrier" in Greek, and some were so big that they required two people to carry them from place to place.