Mycenaean Kylix drinking cup (MET)

Mycenaean Kylix drinking cup (MET)A stemmed cup decorated with stylized murex sea shells, based on a prototype of the MET collection, ca. 14001300 BCE. During the Late Helladic III period, significant advancements in the art of pottery firing emerged on the Greek mainland. These innovations facilitated the creation of a unique style of drinking cup known as a kylix. This distinctive shape quickly became the predominant form for drinking vessels throughout much of the Mycenaean world,

A stemmed cup decorated with stylized murex sea shells, based on a prototype of the MET collection, ca. 1400–1300 BCE. 

During the Late Helladic III period, significant advancements in the art of pottery firing emerged on the Greek mainland. These innovations facilitated the creation of a unique style of drinking cup known as a kylix. This distinctive shape quickly became the predominant form for drinking vessels throughout much of the Mycenaean world, beginning in the 14th century B.C.

In the case of this particular kylix, its tall, striped stem offers support for a broadening bowl adorned with depictions of underwater life, including sea anemones and murex shells. These elements stand as a testament to the crucial role the sea played as a major source of sustenance and prosperity for the Mycenaean civilization. It is worth noting that the murex, a type of mollusk, held substantial value in ancient times due to its role in producing precious purple dye.

Dimensions L: 19 cm, MaxL: 23 cm

Hand crafted by ATTIC BLACK at the THETIS Workshop this is part of a series of Mycenaean drinking cups produced in 2011. These cups were specially crafted as a gift for the esteemed Cypriot archaeologist, Professor Vassos Karageorghis.