Terracotta rim 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
2011.604.1.4284a, b
Art Historical Context
These delicate terracotta rim fragments fromikes, or shallow drinking cups, hail from Attic Greece in the first half of the5th century BCE, the Archaic and Classical periods. Crafted by an unknown artist, they offer a glimpse into the refined pottery tradition of ancient Athens, where such vessels were essential for symposia—lively social gatherings of men sharing wine, philosophy, and poetry. Though only fragments survive, their preservation highlights the durability of terracotta, fired clay that allowed for intricate designs and everyday use. Attic kylikes were iconic for their wide, stemm...