Kylix 490 BC

This Kylix, or drinking cup, was made in ancient Greece using ceramic materials. The Greeks were masters of pottery, and this piece is a great example of their skill. The vessel was formed on a potter's wheel, and handles were added. Once leather-hard, the surface was decorated using a slip, a liquid clay, to create the black figures. The firing process was crucial. By carefully controlling the oxygen levels in the kiln, the potter could achieve the distinctive black and red color scheme. This wasn't just painting; it was a chemical transformation of the clay itself! The decoration process elevates this from a simple drinking vessel to something of high value. It represents the intersection of skilled labor, artistic expression, and everyday life in ancient Greece, challenging the modern separation of art and craft.