In its time, this piece would have likely been used as a grave marker, and it was found just outside the Diplyon Gate at the ancient cemetery of Athens. The geometric style is seen all over the krater: in several bands that circle around the top and bottom, and in the background of the scene depicted. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and unity throughout the piece.
The scene on the krater shows a detailed record of funerary practices of the Greeks, including cremation. On the top register, the body of the deceased is shown about to be cremated. The people around the deceased have their arms raised in a gesture of pain and sorrow. Their forms are extremely geometric-looking: their heads and torsos are triangles, their arms and legs are rectangular. There is no depth in this work; the geometric figures actually emphasize the flatness. The contrast between the crisp black designs and the lighter colored ceramic is also typical of the period, and it really makes the scene stand out. The simple colors also allow such an elaborate design to be easy to look at: it doesn't overwhelm the eye.
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