Terracotta kylix (drinking cup) 480 BC

This terracotta kylix, or drinking cup, was made by Hieron, an artist in ancient Greece. It is a vessel formed from humble clay, yet displays remarkable technical skill, and a refined aesthetic. The cup’s red-figure decoration is particularly striking. The figures are not painted on, but reserved; the background is built up with slip, leaving the natural color of the fired clay to define the forms. Look closely, and you'll see the outlines are sharply defined, and the details are added with a fine brush. The elegant profiles and dynamic compositions give a real sense of sophistication. This was not just a functional object, but a showpiece, reflecting both the wealth of its owner and the skill of the potter who made it. It shows how even the most everyday items can be elevated through craft into something truly special.