Terracotta skyphos (deep drinking cup)
Obverse, reclining man and three crones (the Judgment of Paris?)
Reverse, ogress pursuing three pygmies
The Kabirion is a sanctuary on the outskirts of Thebes in Boeotia dedicated to the Kabiroi, deities associated with fertility and the sea. Their cult included mysteries whose introduction is ascribed to the goddess Demeter. A distinctive variety of pottery, known as Cabiric vases, was produced from the late fifth through the late fourth century B.C. This example is characteristic in shape, subject, and technique. Such works may reflect farces performed in conjunction with the mysteries. They are contemporary with representations of Middle Comedy and the phlyax vases.
Reverse, ogress pursuing three pygmies
The Kabirion is a sanctuary on the outskirts of Thebes in Boeotia dedicated to the Kabiroi, deities associated with fertility and the sea. Their cult included mysteries whose introduction is ascribed to the goddess Demeter. A distinctive variety of pottery, known as Cabiric vases, was produced from the late fifth through the late fourth century B.C. This example is characteristic in shape, subject, and technique. Such works may reflect farces performed in conjunction with the mysteries. They are contemporary with representations of Middle Comedy and the phlyax vases.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta skyphos (deep drinking cup)
- Artist: Closely related to the Vine Tendril Group
- Period: Classical
- Date: mid-4th century BCE
- Culture: Greek, Boeotian
- Medium: Terracotta; black-figure
- Dimensions: Overall: 8 11/16 x 12 3/16in. (22 x 30.9cm)
greatest diameter 8 1/4in. (21cm) - Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 1971
- Object Number: 1971.11.1
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Hieron
Makron
ca. 480 BCE
Greek, South Italian, Campanian
4th century BCE
Greek, Attic
late 10th–early 9th century BCE
Greek, Attic
mid-4th century BCE
Greek, Attic
late 6th century BCE
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.