Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This terracotta fragment of a kylix, or drinking cup, was crafted by Makron, a renowned Athenian vase painter. Though time has taken its toll, leaving us with only a piece of the whole, this fragment opens a window into the vibrant culture of ancient Greece. Imagine holding this kylix, the cool terracotta grounding you in this world as you raise it to your lips. Drinking cups were not merely functional objects; they were integral to social rituals, particularly in the symposium, a gathering of men for drinking, music, and philosophical discussion. The painted scenes on kylixes often depicted mythological narratives, athletic contests, or scenes from daily life, offering insights into the values and beliefs of Athenian society. Makron's hand would have once brought those stories to life. Now, this lone piece whispers stories of artistic expression, gendered social spaces, and the enduring power of objects to connect us across millennia.