What is an octopus vase?

Minoan pottery used by the subjects of King Minos of Crete during the Bronze Age often depicted plant and animal life, including the octopus. The sea creature lent itself to the Minoans' tendency to fashion naturalistic, fluid designs.

The ancient marine style of pottery, which along with the octopus included depictions of starfish, coral and seaweed, is the most unique of all Minoan pottery.

Minoans lived off the sea both in terms of their diet and their commerce. Their love and familiarity of the Mediterranean and its denizens is clear in pottery adorned with octupi and other sea dwellers. They depict very thorough images featuring even minute details, such as the suckers on octopus tentacles.