What fascinates us about the kelebe
Few ancient forms have traveled so far. The kelebe originated in Corinth, was refined in Athens, and became a distinct art form in the hands of the Etruscans. Three cultures meet in it, yet it appears perfectly serene and natural.
The distinctive shape
Its body rises from a narrow foot and opens into a wide mouth with a broad rim. In the ancient original, column-like handles supported this rim, hence its other name: column krater. The silhouette is chalice-like, upright, and imbued with quiet nobility.
The XENIOS kelebe
For our reinterpretation, we deliberately omitted the two column handles. This allows the chalice-like silhouette to take center stage. A newly designed handle turns it into an everyday cup: for wine at the festive table, or for water, tea, or a cool drink. Suitable for hot and cold beverages and dishwasher-safe. Handcrafted in Germany from high-quality stoneware.
A look back
As a mixing vessel for wine and water, the kelebe was the centerpiece of ancient banquets. One of the most famous examples, the Corinthian Eurytios krater in the Louvre, depicts one of the earliest known representations of a Greek banquet, dating to around 600 BC. Attic kelebes reached Etruria via maritime trade and were found in aristocratic tombs there. Finally, distinctively Etruscan kelebes emerged in Volterra.
Guests, hosts, a vessel in the center: the kelebe tells a story of hospitality watched over by Zeus Xenios, the god who gave our name its origin.