The most characteristic and splendid example of Middle Minoan ceramics is the polychrome Kamares ware. The decoration on this ware was made with strong colours over the dark glaze.

The motifs were naturalistic or simplified patterns integrated in simple zones or in free composition which either covered one side or were spread over the entire surface of the vessels, often including included dynamic themes which gave an illusion of rhythm and movement.

Kamares vessels are either angular or hemispherical. The most common type is the handled cup, the handle-less conical cup, the skyphoi and the bridge-spouted vessels or teapots. A typical feature of Kamares ware are the unusual shapes, such as the fruitstand from Phaistos with relief flowers on the outside. The new shapes include the ritual bull's head rhyta, as well as new types of oil lamps.