Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 500 BC

This fragment of a terracotta kylix, or drinking cup, is attributed to the artist Hischylos and is now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The glossy black paint dominates the interior of the cup, contrasting sharply with the terracotta color around the rim and base. This bold contrast creates a visual tension, emphasizing the vessel's form. Notice how the black glaze, applied with expert precision, covers the interior, hinting at a lost narrative scene. The fragment's curve suggests the original cup was shallow and wide, designed for communal drinking. The glossy black finish, achieved through a complex firing process, reflects a sophisticated understanding of material transformation, turning humble clay into a lustrous object. This fragment is not just a remnant of the past, but also a testament to the enduring power of form and material to communicate meaning.