Terracotta chous

late 5th century BCE

Not on view

Toward the end of the 5th century B.C., Athenian potters and painters created a large number of miniature vessels decorated with scenes involving young children. They are connected with the Anthesteria, a three-day celebration of the new vintage of wine and the arrival of spring, in which children also participated. These little vessels are called choes (sing. chous), which means libations, after the name of the second day of the festival. It is noteworthy that the scene on this example depicts a chous and a kline, suggesting a symposium.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Terracotta chous
Period: Classical
Date: late 5th century BCE
Culture: Greek, Attic
Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
Dimensions: H. 6 cm x W. 5.3 cm
Classification: Vases
Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
Object Number: 2021.40.21
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Terracotta oinochoe (jug), Terracotta, Greek, Attic — Terracotta oinochoe (jug)
Greek, Attic
late 10th–early 9th century BCE

Terracotta askos in the form of a boar, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Campanian — Terracotta askos in the form of a boar
Greek, South Italian, Campanian
4th century BCE

Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Princeton Group, Terracotta, Greek, Attic — Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
Princeton Group
ca. 540–530 BCE

Terracotta cosmetic vase, Terracotta, East Greek — Terracotta cosmetic vase
East Greek
4th quarter of the 6th century BCE

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.