Terracotta kylix: lip-cup (drinking cup) 540 BC

This 6th century BC terracotta kylix, or drinking cup, was created by the Athenian potter Tleson. The black-figure style, characterized by dark figures on a red background, features a single bird, likely a cock, on the interior of the cup. The kylix is a quintessential example of ancient Greek pottery and drinking vessels. The black-figure technique is evident in the careful execution of the bird's details, showcasing the skill of the artisan. The kylix's design and decoration would have been highly valued in its time, showcasing the aesthetic sensibilities of ancient Greece.