Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
Unknown Artist
460–450 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Classical
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
2011.604.1.3815
Art Historical Context
This terracotta fragment from a kylix, or shallow drinking cup, hails from Attic Greece around 460–450 BCE, the heart of the Classical period. Crafted in Athens during a golden age of democracy, philosophy, and monumental architecture like the Parthenon, vases were everyday essentials turned artistic treasures. Made from fired clay, terracotta provided durability for both practical use and intricate decoration, reflecting the technical mastery of Greek potters. Kylikes like this one were stars of the *symposion*, lively male drinking parties where guests reclined, debated ideas, and savored w...