Terracotta fragments of kylikes (drinking cups)
Unknown Artist
5th century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Archaic/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
2011.604.1.916a–j
Art Historical Context
These terracotta fragments from 5th century BCE Attic kylikes—shallow drinking cups—offer a glimpse into the vibrant of ancient Greek symposia, or elite drinking parties. Crafted Athens during the transition from the Archaic to Classical periods, these pieces exemplify the pinnacle of Attic vase production, renowned for its technical mastery and narrative artistry. Kylikes were designed for communal use, often featuring painted scenes on the wide mouth and interior tondo (central circle), visible when sipped from, which encouraged intimate viewing of myths, athletes, or daily life. Made from ...