A beautiful ancient Greek, Attic terracotta kylix, decorated with a black-figure frieze. The kylix has a broad shallow bowl which leads to a cylindrical stem and a flat circular foot. On either side of the bowl, two looped handles protrude horizontally. The stemmed foot and the handles have been glazed a rich black.
The exterior of the bowl features an exquisite frieze, divided by the protruding handles, painted in a more coarse style. The two scenes depict satyrs and maenads, with some on horseback, wearing draped robes, continuing in procession. Dionysus is placed at the centre of one frieze segment, his head gazing backwards as he progresses forward in procession. He is depicted bearded, carrying a thyrsus behind him. Additional elements to his clothing have been painted a rich burgundy, to add some detailing to the course scene. To the other side of the frieze, a central, prominent figure is also depicted, however there is no beard nor a thyrsus. The style of depiction feels more feminine, possibly depicting a maenad or Ariadne. A large, heavily stylised ivy leaf is placed beneath each handle, adding another decorative element. Inside the shallow bowl, within the centre, is a winged Pegasus, displayed prancing. The rest of the bowl interior is covered in solid black glaze, with the rim left plain to showcase the terracotta of the vessel.
The kylix was commonly used in Ancient Greece as a traditional wine-drinking cup and it would have most likely been used during a Symposium; the banquet or party where men gathered to eat, drink and sing together but also to have various conversations about philosophy, politics or poetry. It was the favoured drinking vessel from the late sixth century down to the fourth century BC when the kantharos eclipsed it in popularity. Compared to the kantharos, the kylix has a much shallower bowl and handles that extended in a more horizontal fashion. The exterior of the cup was often painted to reflect the Dionysian activities in which it was used but could also depict mythical scenes of gods and heroes.
To find out more about different types of Greek vessel please see our relevant blog post: Collecting Greek Vases.
