The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 21, 2025

Stemless Kylix

c. 200s BCE

Greece

silver
Diameter: 15 cm (5 7/8 in.); Overall: 6.1 x 18.2 cm (2 3/8 x 7 3/16 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Max Ratner 1977.166
Location: 102C Greek

Did You Know?

Poppies and their derivative, opium, were used in the ancient Mediterranean as an analgesic and to treat insomnia.

Description

Constructed out of a double shell of silver attached at the rim of the vessel, this shallow cup is an elegant example of Greek silversmithing. A pair of wishbone handles, one on each side of the cup, are decorated with leaves at their base and poppy flowers on top. A small, pointed dimple projects from the center of the interior. Originally, this cup would have been used as a drinking vessel during banquets.
  • Gawain McKinley, NY
    (Gawain McKinley, NY)
  • The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1978. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1978. Reproduced: p. 25 archive.org
    The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1991. Reproduced: p. 10 archive.org
  • All That Glitters: Great Silver Vessels in Cleveland's Collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (November 23, 1994-January 8, 1995).
    Year in Review: 1977. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (December 28, 1977-January 22, 1978).
  • {{cite web|title=Stemless Kylix|url=false|author=|year=c. 200s BCE|access-date=21 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1977.166