A crater was a Greek bowl used for mixing wine and water. The crater had two handles, one on either side, a large body, and a wide mouth. Craters were made of gold, silver, and pottery. They date back as far as the fifth century BC, with the famous black glazed François vase placed c.560 BC. The Athenian calyx craters of the fifth century BC and the simply designed volute craters of the fourth century are excellent examples of this creative craft.