Terracotta fragments of kylikes (drinking cups)
Unknown Artist
first half of the 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
2011.604.1.4251a, b
Art Historical Context
These terracotta fragments from kylikes, or shallow drinking cups, hail from Attic Greece in the first half of the 5th century BCE, bridging the Archaic and Classical periods. Kylikes were essential to the symposion, the all-male Greek drinking party where philosophy, poetry, and politics flowed alongside wine. Crafted on a potter's wheel from fired clay, these vessels often featured intricate painted scenes—though faded here—depicting myths, athletes, or daily life, showcasing the mastery of Attic workshops. Artistically, Attic pottery like this represents a pinnacle of ancient ceramics, wit...