Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite terracotta fragment from alix—a shallow drinking cup popular in ancient Greek symposia—comes from the hand of Onesimos, a masterful Att vase painter active around 500–480 BCE. During the Archaic period, Attic potters and painters like Onesimos elevated everyday ceramics into works of art blending functionality with intricate decoration. Kylikes were prized for their wide, low profile, allowing drinkers to admire painted on the interior tondo while socializing. Though only a fragment survives, it the technical prowess of Greek terracotta: clay fired at high temperatures for dura...