Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This terracotta fragment of a kylix, or drinking cup, was made by Apollodoros. The form was achieved by wheel-thrown pottery, but what makes this piece distinctive is the painted decoration, created using slip, a liquid clay that can be applied in great detail. The success of this process depended on the artist's deep understanding of materials. The firing process, and the atmosphere in the kiln during firing, had to be controlled to achieve a consistent result, the striking contrast between the black glaze and the orange terracotta. The decoration is not just ornamental but an integral aspect of the object. Its painted images have been used as historical source, for insight into daily life, myths, and cultural values. The imagery of banquets, rituals, and athletic competitions evoke a sense of communal identity. Fragments like this remind us that even utilitarian items can be elevated to the level of art, through the marriage of material, making, and cultural significance.