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Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup)

ca. 325–300 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 170
Obverse and reverse, griffins attacking a deer

The subject of griffins attacking a deer has a long history and remained popular during the Hellenistic period throughout the Mediterranean area. It may be a symbol of the inevitability of death. The handles are ribbon-like and include so-called Herakles knots, a square knot symbolic of love and power in the ancient world. In the Roman Imperial period, Herakles knots were believed to heal wounds.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup)
  • Period: Late Classical
  • Date: ca. 325–300 BCE
  • Culture: Etruscan
  • Medium: Terracotta; red-figure
  • Dimensions: H. 6 3/16 in. (15.7 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1951
  • Object Number: 51.11.10
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Restituted
Terracotta antefix (roof tile)
Etruscan
late 6th century BCE
Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with high handles), Terracotta, Etruscan
Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with high handles)
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ca. 700–675 BCE
Terracotta stemmed kyathos (single-handled cup), Terracotta, Etruscan
Terracotta stemmed kyathos (single-handled cup)
Etruscan
ca. 550–525 BCE
Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with high handles), Terracotta, Etruscan
Terracotta kantharos (drinking cup with high handles)
Etruscan
6th century BCE

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