large water vessel in Greek pottery of the Archaic period (c. 750–c. 480 BC) and the Classical period (c. 480–c. 330 BC). It is found in both the black-figure (black-figure pottery) and the red-figure (red-figure pottery) pottery styles. The hydria is distinctive in having three handles: a pair of small, horizontal handles at the sides for lifting and a large, vertical handle at the neck or shoulder for dipping and pouring.