Terracotta kylix: Droop cup (drinking cup) 540 BC

This drinking cup, or kylix, was made by a group of artists in Rhodes. It is made from terracotta, or earthenware, a humble material that speaks volumes about the society that produced it. The cup’s warm, earthy tones come directly from the clay itself, contrasting vividly with the black figures painted on its surface. These figures, depicting scenes of chariots and warriors, weren't just painted on, but rather, they were created through a process of careful firing, where the potter controlled the kiln's atmosphere to achieve the desired black gloss. Think about the skill involved in this type of work. Such cups weren't luxury items for the elite, but rather, everyday objects, demonstrating that artistry and craftsmanship were integral to daily life in ancient Greece. The decoration also hints at wider social issues of labor and production, offering insight into the values and stories that were shared among the cup's users.