GREEK BLACK-GLAZE KYLIX

Ca. 400 BC
A blackware kylix, a stemless drinking cup crafted from terracotta and adorned with a lustrous black gloss. It showcases a shallow body which elegantly rests upon a low foot that possesses a concave form. Two distinctive D-shaped handles gracefully extend from the body, providing a secure grip for the user. The term "kylix" refers to a specific type of drinking vessel that was commonly employed in ancient Greek symposia, or drinking parties. These gatherings, characterized by conviviality and intellectual discourse, took place among aristocratic men in the 6th to 4th centuries BC. The kylix served as an essential tool in this social context, facilitating the drinking of wine. Its stemless design, paired with the low foot, allowed for stability and prevented the cup from easily toppling over. The two handles were ergonomically shaped to ensure comfortable handling and controlled sipping. This particular blackware kylix would have been cherished for both its functional utility and aesthetic appeal.
Size: L:40mm / W:170mm ; 125g
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art gallery, formerly English private collection, according to the heirs possibly purchased in some auction or Art Gallery during 1970s-1980s.
Estimate: GBP 200 - 300