Stemless Kylix (Cup) with Laurel Wreath

Place of OriginItaly, Apulia

Datelate 4th century BCE

DimensionsH: 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); Rim Diam: 7 in. (17.8 cm); Max Diam (across handles): 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm); Base Diam: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)

MediumWheel-thrown earthenware with black gloss and added matte slip (Xenon ware technique)

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.88

Not on View

DescriptionA stemless drinking cup (kylix) with two horizontal handles. The earthenware body is wheel-thrown and coated in a glossy black slip. The interior decoration is applied directly over the black slip in a matte, pinkish-red pigment. The decorative scheme consists of a central tondo featuring a nine-leaf palmette enclosed within a circular band. Surrounding the central medallion is a wreath of laurel leaves and berries. The exterior of the bowl is plain black. The vessel rests on a ring foot; the underside of the foot is reserved (unpainted) and treated with a red wash. An accession number is written in white ink inside the foot.

Published ReferencesAncient World Arts Ltd., Ancient World Arts Collection A998 (1998), no. A275. Cf. for the type: Margaret Ellen Mayo (ed.), The Art of South Italy: Vases from Magna Graecia, exhibition catalogue, The Virginia Museum of Fine Art, 1982, no. 159.