Terracotta fragment of a kylix (drinking cup) 530 BC

This is a fragment of a terracotta kylix, or drinking cup, by Aison. The remaining painted portion reveals a striking composition of terracotta figures against a black ground, framed by a decorative band. The figures, rendered in profile, are positioned within a circular space. Note how Aison uses the circle not just as a border but as a dynamic element that guides our eye. The geometric meander pattern bordering the inner scene creates a sense of structured movement, contrasting with the fluid lines of the figures. The use of black ground is not merely a backdrop but an active void that defines the contours and enhances the plasticity of the figures. Consider how this fragment operates as a sign. The figures, the musical instrument, and the spear may allude to cultural practices. This interplay between form and symbolic content invites us to decode the aesthetic and cultural values embedded within this ancient object.