Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair)

Greek, South Italian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 162

The cups are decorated on the interior with an outer band of gilding engraved with ivy leaves and tendrils and, within a star pattern, a central medallion depicting Dionysos, the god of wine, with his customary attribute, an ivy-tipped thyrsos (staff). Such decoration is highly appropriate for a pair of drinking cups. Unusually, their bowls were hammered from thin sheets of silver rather than cast, making them lightweight and easy to use.

Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair), Silver, gold, Greek, South Italian

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Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair), Silver, gold, Greek, South Italian
Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair), Silver, gold, Greek, South Italian
Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair), Silver, gold, Greek, South Italian
Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair), Silver, gold, Greek, South Italian
Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair), Silver, gold, Greek, South Italian
Silver-gilt cup (one of a pair), Silver, gold, Greek, South Italian

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