Terracotta fragments of kylikes (drinking cups)
Unknown Artist
500–470 BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Archaic/Early 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
2011.604.1.3348a, b
Art Historical Context
These terracotta fragments from kylikes—shallow, footed drinking cups—offer a glimpse into everyday life in ancient Athens around 500–470 BCE, during the transition from theic to Early Classical periods. Crafted by an unknown Attic potter in the vibrant hub of Greek pottery production, these pieces exemplify the red-figure technique that emerged in Athens, where figures were left in the natural clay color against a glossy black background painted with slip. This innovative method allowed for finer details in anatomy and drapery, marking a shift toward greater naturalism that influenced later C...