Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with two vertical handles): heads of a satyr and a woman

Attributed to Aison
ca. 420 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 159
Obverse and reverse, libation scenes

The canonical kantharos was a drinking cup. This example is special because of the spout introduced into the woman's neck, a feature suggesting that the vase may have been used for offerings. The rendering of the satyr's head is impressively plastic, indeed sculptural.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with two vertical handles): heads of a satyr and a woman
  • Artist: Attributed to Aison
  • Artist: Attributed to the Class V: The Spetia Class of Head Vases
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: ca. 420 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, Attic
  • Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
  • Dimensions: H. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1927
  • Object Number: 27.122.9
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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