Artwork Page for Black-Figure Kotyle (Drinking Cup): Animal Friezes

Details / Information for Black-Figure Kotyle (Drinking Cup): Animal Friezes

Black-Figure Kotyle (Drinking Cup): Animal Friezes

600s–500s BCE, with modern painting and incision

attributed to Shoe Lane Painter

(Greek, early-mid 1900s)
Culture
Greek, Corinthian
Medium
ceramic
Measurements
Overall: 7.3 cm (2 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1924.873
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Although the body of this cup is ancient, its handles and figural decoration are modern.

Description

This vessel began as an authentic drinking cup in the ancient Greek city of Corinth. Originally bearing no figural decoration, it was given new handles and animal friezes in a style recalling that of ancient Corinthian artists. The modern decorator was prolific enough that scholars have recognized their hand, coining the name “Shoe Lane Painter” after a street in Athens where many such vases were sold.
A deep cream ceramic cup tapers toward a narrow base, featuring two flat handles extending horizontally. Horizontal friezes in dark brown depict stylized birds, boars, and winged sphinxes pacing amidst circular rosettes. A band of thin vertical lines and a central square rosette encircle the rim. At the bottom, dark, pointed triangular rays radiate upward from the base. Dark glaze coats the handles and the interior, contrasting with the detailed exterior.

Black-Figure Kotyle (Drinking Cup): Animal Friezes

600s–500s BCE, with modern painting and incision

Shoe Lane Painter

(Greek, early-mid 1900s)
Greek, Corinthian

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