Lip cup

Cup by Ergotimes Antikensammlung Berlin

Lip cup

A lip cup is a type of ancient Greek pottery that was primarily used for drinking purposes. These cups are characterized by their distinctive shape, which includes a pronounced lip or rim that flares outward. Lip cups were commonly produced during the Archaic period and the Classical period of ancient Greece, roughly between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE.

Design and Features

Lip cups are notable for their elegant and functional design. The flared lip not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also makes the cup easier to drink from. The body of the cup is typically shallow and wide, with a relatively small base. Many lip cups also feature a single handle, although some examples have two handles.

The decoration of lip cups varies widely. Some are plain and unadorned, while others are intricately decorated with black-figure or red-figure techniques. Common motifs include scenes from Greek mythology, everyday life, and geometric patterns.

Historical Context

Lip cups were used in various social and ceremonial contexts in ancient Greece. They were often employed during symposia, which were social gatherings where participants would drink, converse, and enjoy entertainment. The design of the lip cup made it particularly suitable for these events, as the flared rim facilitated easy drinking and the wide body allowed for the mixing of wine and water.

Production and Distribution

The production of lip cups was concentrated in several key regions of ancient Greece, including Athens, Corinth, and Sparta. These cups were widely distributed throughout the Greek world and have been found in archaeological sites across the Mediterranean.

Significance

Lip cups are an important artifact for understanding ancient Greek culture and social practices. They provide valuable insights into the daily life, artistic expression, and technological advancements of the time. The study of lip cups also contributes to our knowledge of ancient Greek ceramics and the development of pottery techniques.

See Also

• Ancient Greek pottery
• Black-figure pottery
• Red-figure pottery
• Symposium
• Archaic period
• Classical period