Terracotta rim fragments of kylikes (drinking cups) 530 BC

Curator: We're looking at terracotta rim fragments dating back to 530 BC, shards of kylikes—drinking cups—now housed at the Metropolitan Museum. What strikes you? Editor: The sheer absence. These broken pieces, remnants of a vessel meant for communal drinking, create a melancholic feeling. What stories did these cups once hold? What rituals did they partake in? Curator: These cups are thought to be crafted by Douris. We are only seeing the rims of the vessels, each marked with a solid, sleek expanse of black glaze above a bare terracotta. They exemplify a moment when form and function met ritual. The kylix was more than a cup; it was a symbol of fellowship. Editor: I am intrigued by this stark contrast. The dark, almost impenetrable, black contrasting sharply with the earth-toned clay. Does this contrast symbolize duality or even the Dionysian ecstasy countered with mortality that were associated with these libation rituals? Curator: That is an interesting approach, since the Greeks themselves perceived the black as something imbued with mystery and hidden potentiality. Consider the act of drinking. Was this duality of shadow and light expressed during Greek symposia? In my opinion, yes. Editor: Precisely. The vessel facilitated dialogue and fostered communal feeling. Are the bare parts in the fragments meant to represent an earthy grounding, a visual connection to nature or maybe even a representation of something of temporal decay. The black does look rather slick. Curator: These fragments allow us a tangible connection to the ancient world. Each shard embodies not only artistic intention but also historical context. It becomes an open book for anyone wishing to engage with Greek antiquity. Editor: These pieces evoke echoes of laughter and ancient banquets. Now, what is left in front of us calls upon quiet meditation.