skyphos (Cup)

The skyphos was a deep bowled cup with horizontal handles popular from proto-geometric to Hellenistic times. Its design allowed it to hold more wine than other contemporary forms. Cups served a utilitarian function but were also included in grave goods.

This collection was said to have been acquired by James George during his service in Greece (Athens) from 1945-48. J.W. Hayes said the cup is Boeotian, or a similar fabrication, copying Attic decoration of 720-700 B.C.E.

utilitarian; funerary

Geometric period clay cup consisting of a broad body with deep bowl, in-carved rim and flat base. Two ring handles round in profile attached just below rim slightly upswept. Decoration is in brown, darkness determined by amount applied. Interior surface of bowl painted black with lighter streaks showing through. Handles have brown lines on upper and lower surfaces framing a row of dots on outer edge of handles. Immediately below rim are two lines and below this at handle level are two friezes. Framed with vertical lines. Each frieze consists of two running animals (rats ?) with filling ornament of dots and zigzags.