Terracotta kylix (drinking cup)

ca. 535–500 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
This cup shares some of the characteristics of both band cups and eye cups but also represents individual features, creating an unusual hybrid. As is typical of eye cups, a gorgoneion is depicted on the interior of the vase, and eyes, intended to ward away evil, are placed at the handles instead of palmettes. As is common on band cups, on the handle zone, a figural scene depicts a nude youth chasing a lion. But unlike either eye or band cups, the foot of the vase is without a stem and in the form of a disk.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta kylix (drinking cup)
  • Period: Archaic
  • Date: ca. 535–500 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Attic
  • Medium: Terracotta; black-figure
  • Dimensions: H. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm.)
    Diameter 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm.)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1920
  • Object Number: 20.250
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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