Detail of a Terracotta Kylix (Eye Cup) in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, June 2019

Terracotta kylix: eye-cup (drinking cup)
ca. 540 B.C.


Object Details

Attributed to an artist working in the manner of Lydos

Period: Archaic

Date: ca. 540 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Terracotta; black-figure

Dimensions: H. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm)
diameter 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925

Accession Number: 25.78.6


Interior, four warriors in combat
Exterior, obverse and reverse, sphinx between eyes

Typologically and stylistically, this is a remarkable cup. Eye-cups appeared about 540 B.C. Normally they have a Gorgon's face on the interior. A scene occupying nearly the whole interior is rare in black-figure. The influence of Lydos is evident in the imposing figures and clear composition.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/251804