Greek Corinthian Terracotta Skyphos
£ 795.00
A decorated terracotta, Corinthian skyphos (wine cup) featuring a globular bowl, which rests on a ring foot. The rim flares outwards creating a wide mouth. Two handles sit on either side of the vessel. The piece is enriched with a horizontal scene of black figure animals including ducks and horses. A red band sits below the animals while there are sections of red above each animals back. The rest of the body and handles have been painted in black pigment. The interior is dark brown and there are traces of red and black on the inside of the rim. Some loss of the the pigment due to age.
Date: Circa 6th Century BC
Provenance: Collection of a North London gentleman, perviously British collector 2006, Ex Sotheby's 1957
Condition: Fine condition, some lose of pigment due to age. Repair to rim, some encrustation visible to the surface.
In stock
Skyphoi were drinking cups (usually for wine) that took the form of deep bowls with two handles, usually with a low base. They were pioneered in Corinth. The skyphos was a popular shape, designed to fit easily in the drinkers’ hand, which remained in use into the Roman period and was frequently used at banquets and symposia. The men of ancient Greece regularly got together in private homes to exchange ideas, conversing about different topics and socializing over a drink. As the evening progressed, participants engaged in other pleasures, including games and performances. Wine played a major role in fuelling these evenings, and a myriad of vessels were used for preparing wine while smaller vessels like this one were used to serve and drink it.
To find out more about the different types of Greek vessels please visit our relevant blog post: Types of Ancient Greek Vases.
