Terracotta rim fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This terracotta rim fragment of a kylix, or drinking cup, was made by Skythes. The fragment’s curved shape and the remnants of painted decoration offer us insights into the aesthetics of ancient Greek pottery. Notice the striking contrast between the warm terracotta surface and the stark black paint. This contrast immediately draws the eye, highlighting the careful design. The fragment features a portion of a circle enclosing a bold, black letter 'B', possibly a maker's mark. Above this, we see delicate curvilinear motifs, rendered in the same black paint, which add a layer of complexity to the design. Consider how the artist uses these simple elements—color, line, and shape—to create a cohesive visual language. The fragment's incomplete nature invites us to imagine the larger form of the kylix and the stories it might have once depicted. It encourages a reflection on how even fragments can convey profound aesthetic and cultural meaning.