Komast cup

Komast cup Louvre E741

Komast cup

A Komast cup is a type of ancient Greek pottery that was primarily used for drinking wine. These cups are characterized by their distinctive shape and decoration, which often includes scenes of revelry and dancing, known as komos scenes. The term "Komast" is derived from the Greek word "komos," which refers to a festive procession or celebration.

Description

Komast cups typically feature a deep bowl with a wide mouth, a short stem, and a broad foot. The handles are usually horizontal and positioned just below the rim. The interior and exterior of the cups are often decorated with black-figure pottery techniques, where figures and scenes are painted in black slip on the natural red clay of the cup.

Decoration

The decoration on Komast cups often includes scenes of dancing, drinking, and other forms of revelry. These scenes are believed to depict the activities of the komos, a group of revelers who participated in processions and celebrations in honor of the god Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity. The figures are typically shown in lively poses, with exaggerated gestures and expressions, emphasizing the joyous and carefree nature of the komos.

Historical Context

Komast cups were produced during the Archaic period of ancient Greece, roughly between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. They are associated with the Attic region, particularly the city of Athens, which was a major center for the production of fine pottery. The cups were used in symposia, social gatherings where participants would drink wine, engage in conversation, and enjoy entertainment.

Significance

The Komast cup is significant for its artistic and cultural value. It provides insight into the social practices and artistic conventions of ancient Greece. The scenes depicted on these cups offer valuable information about the customs, clothing, and activities of the time. Additionally, the Komast cup is an important example of the black-figure pottery technique, which was a major artistic innovation of the Archaic period.

Notable Examples

Several notable examples of Komast cups have been discovered in archaeological sites across Greece. These include cups attributed to the Komast Group, a group of potters and painters known for their distinctive style and thematic focus on komos scenes. Some of these cups are housed in major museums, such as the British Museum and the Louvre.

See Also

• Ancient Greek pottery
• Black-figure pottery
• Dionysus
• Symposium
• Archaic period