Kylix

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Kylix 61.7 with Helen and Hermes, ca. 420 BC, part of the Vassil Bojkov collection, Sofia, Bulgaria

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2014-01-26 Symposium Tableware with erotic motif Inv. 1964.4 Altes Museum anagoria

Symposium scene Nicias Painter MAN

Middle corinthian kylix - woman between men dancing - München AS - 01

Type A kylix MOS 1983 1157

Triptolemos Painter MOS 1887 213

Kylix (plural: Kylikes) is an ancient Greek pottery vessel used primarily for drinking. The most distinctive feature of a kylix is its wide and shallow body, with a slanted lip and two horizontal handles protruding near the base of the bowl. Kylikes were typically made of ceramic materials and were often elaborately decorated with scenes from Greek mythology, daily life, and athletic contests, making them not only utilitarian objects but also important artifacts for understanding ancient Greek culture and society.

Design and Function

The design of the kylix is closely related to its function in ancient Greek society. Its wide bowl allowed for easy drinking, and the shallow depth ensured that the contents could be warmed or cooled quickly. The handles provided a secure grip during symposia (drinking parties), where the kylix was a common vessel. The broad surface of the kylix also served as a canvas for pottery painters, who adorned it with intricate designs and narrative scenes, often related to the Dionysian themes of wine, revelry, and the pleasures of life.

Types of Kylikes

There were several variations of the kylix, each with its own specific name and purpose. Some of the most notable types include:

- Siana Kylix: Named after the site where it was first found, this type dates back to the Archaic period of Greek pottery. It is characterized by a more rounded bowl and a foot that is distinct from the bowl itself. - Komast Kylix: Popular in the early Archaic period, these kylikes feature scenes of komasts (revelers) and are distinguished by their small size and delicate proportions. - Eye Kylix: This type is named for the eye motifs that often appear on the exterior of the vessel, thought to ward off evil. Eye kylikes are found primarily in the late Archaic period. - Band Cup: A simpler form of kylix, with decoration confined to a band around the exterior of the cup. These were popular in the early Classical period.

Decoration and Symbolism

The decoration of kylikes is a rich source of information about ancient Greek art and iconography. The scenes depicted range from the mythological and heroic to the everyday and comedic, reflecting a wide spectrum of Greek life and thought. The choice of scenes often had symbolic meanings, related to the gods, heroes, or moral and philosophical lessons of the time.

Cultural Significance

Kylikes played a central role in the symposium, an important social institution in ancient Greece where men gathered to drink, discuss philosophy, recite poetry, and enjoy music and entertainment. The kylix, therefore, was not just a drinking vessel but also a symbol of social and intellectual communion. The imagery on kylikes often reflects this context, with scenes of symposia, drinking contests, and philosophical discussions.

Archaeological Importance

Kylikes are valuable to archaeologists and historians for what they reveal about ancient Greek life, trade, and artistic practices. The distribution of kylikes and their stylistic variations provide evidence of trade networks, cultural exchange, and the spread of artistic styles across the ancient Mediterranean world.

Conclusion

The kylix is more than just a piece of ancient Greek pottery; it is a window into the culture, art, and society of ancient Greece. Its design, decoration, and function offer insights into the daily life, religious beliefs, and social customs of the Greeks, making it an invaluable artifact for understanding one of history's most influential civilizations.

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