Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
Unknown Artist
510–490 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Archaic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, Distinguished Research Curator, Greek and Roman Art, 2011
Accession Number
2011.604.1.2816
Art Historical Context
This terracotta fragment from a kylix, or shallow drinking cup, hails from Attic Greece during the Archaic period (510–490 BCE). in Athens, the heart ancient Greek pottery innovation, kylikes like this were essential forposia—lively social gatherings where elite men reclined, drank wine, and debated philosophy or recited poetry. Though only a fragment survives, it offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of everyday elite life and mythological storytelling that decorated these vessels. Attic terracotta vases represent a pinnacle of Archaic artistry, with potters and painters mastering techniqu...