Terracotta fragments of kylikes (drinking cups)
Unknown Artist
second quarter of the 5th century 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
2011.604.1.3889a, b
Art Historical Context
These terracotta fragments from kylikes, or shallow drinking cups, hail from Attic Greece in the second quarter of the 5th century BCE, during the height of the Classical period. Crafted by an unknown artist, they exemplify the masterful pottery production of ancient Athens, a hub of artistic innovation. Kylikes were essential for symposia—lively social gatherings where elite men reclined, drank wine mixed with water, and engaged in philosophical discourse, poetry, and games. Though fragmentary, these pieces offer a glimpse into everyday luxury items that were both functional and finely decora...