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Drinking cup (kylix)
Greek
Archaic Period
about 525–500 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Attica, Athens
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Black Figure
Dimensions
Height: 12.3 cm (4 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1900
Accession Number03.784
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
CVA Boston 2, pl. 100, 1-4.
DescriptionBetween the large eyes, a satyr, stooping, lays hold of vine that fills the field.
Beneath each handle is a siren, and around the base of the bowl is a frieze of lions pursuing winged horses and a deer.
This "eye-cup" has the paired exterior eyes that give this type of kylix its name. The purpose of the eyes is not certain, but when the owner turned up the cup to drink, they would appear as substitutes for his own eyes, alert to any danger. Satyrs, the part-man, part-horse companions of Dionysos, are often shown cavorting among the grapes of their master's vineyard.
Beneath each handle is a siren, and around the base of the bowl is a frieze of lions pursuing winged horses and a deer.
This "eye-cup" has the paired exterior eyes that give this type of kylix its name. The purpose of the eyes is not certain, but when the owner turned up the cup to drink, they would appear as substitutes for his own eyes, alert to any danger. Satyrs, the part-man, part-horse companions of Dionysos, are often shown cavorting among the grapes of their master's vineyard.
ProvenanceBy 1903: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in London: from an old collection.); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, March 24, 1903