Terracotta fragment of a stemless kylix (drinking cup)

Art Historical Context

This terracotta fragment from a stemless kylix, drinking cup, hails from Attic Greece during the Archaic to Classical periods (6th–5th centuries BCE). Produced in Athens, the heart of ancient Greek pottery innovation, these vases were everyday yet exquisite objects used in symposia—lively social gatherings where elites reclined, drank wine, and debated philosophy. The stemless design, practical and elegant, reflects a shift toward more streamlined forms in late Archaic pottery, balancing functionality with artistry. Though only a fragment survives, it exemplifies Attic terracotta's enduring a...