Greek Attic Black-Figure Stemmed Kylix - TL Tested

Greece, Athens, ca. 5th to 4th century BCE. A delicate Attic kylix (drinking cup) with finely shaped squared-off loop handles, a wide, evenly sloping bowl, and a delicate round foot joined to the body by a narrow leg. A glossy, almost silvery black glaze rings the interior, leaving a buff circle sparingly painted in tondo. On the underside of the bowl is an abstract fern motif. The foot and undersides of the handles are also painted black. Size: 11.25" W x 4.65" H (28.6 cm x 11.8 cm)

Cups like these were made in a variety of materials - terracotta, like this one, bronze, silver, and even gold! They were a vital component of the symposium, the formal drinking party frequently enjoyed by elite Greek men. The kylix played a crucial role in the drinking game of kottabos, where players attempted to throw the portion of wine - usually the dregs - left in their kylikes to knock a bronze disc into a larger one. Many frescoes and ceramic paintings show men reclining with kylikes raised above their heads. Other kylikes were made specifically to be buried in tombs as offerings - probably the fate of this particular example.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: The Dere Family Collection, New York, USA, assembled 1970's-2000's; ex-William Froelich Collection, New York, USA, acquired in 1970's

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#147809
Condition Report: Expertly repaired and restored from multiple pieces. This is well done and difficult to see, with very limited added clay - just minor fill along break lines. Two small drill holes from TL testing on the underside and handle. Pigment is in very nice condition with light wear commensurate with age.