Terracotta rim fragments of kylikes (drinking cups)

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, stemmed shape, perfect for sipping while reclining, often featuring painted scenes of myths, daily life, or athletic prowess on the interior tondo (circular base) and exteriors. This period marked a shift from black-figure to red-figure techniques, where figures appeared in the natural clay color against a black-gloss background, showcasing advancing artistic skill and naturalism. These fragments, gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011 by curator Dietrich von Bothmer, embody the cultural vibrancy of classical Athens, where pottery was both functional art and a canvas for storytelling. Their survival underscores the archaeological thrill of piecing together antiquity, reminding us how everyday objects illuminate a world of sympotic rituals and democratic ideals.