Eye-cup

Ancient Greek drinking vessel

Eye-cup

An eye-cup is a type of ancient Greek pottery drinking vessel, known for its distinctive decoration featuring large eyes painted on the exterior. These cups were primarily used for drinking wine and were popular during the late 6th and early 5th centuries BCE.

Eye-cup from the Staatliche Antikensammlungen

Design and Features

Eye-cups are characterized by their shallow bowl, wide mouth, and two horizontal handles. The most striking feature of these cups is the pair of large eyes painted on the exterior. These eyes are often accompanied by a nose, creating a face-like appearance when the cup is tilted to drink. The eyes are typically painted in black or red-figure technique, a style of Greek vase painting that involves painting figures in red against a black background.

The purpose of the eye motif is debated among scholars. Some suggest it served an apotropaic function, intended to ward off evil spirits. Others believe it was meant to amuse or surprise the drinker and onlookers, as the eyes would "come to life" when the cup was raised to the lips.

Historical Context

Eye-cups were produced primarily in Athens, a major center of pottery production in ancient Greece. They are associated with the symposium, a social gathering where men would drink, converse, and enjoy entertainment. The eye-cup's playful design may have added an element of humor to these gatherings.

Exekias Dionysos cup

Notable Examples

One of the most famous eye-cups is attributed to the potter and painter Exekias, known for his masterful work in the black-figure technique. His eye-cup depicting Dionysos, the god of wine, sailing in a ship surrounded by dolphins, is a celebrated example of this type of vessel.

Another notable example is the "Dionysos-Schale," which features a similar depiction of Dionysos and is housed in the Staatliche Antikensammlungen in Munich.

Dionysos-Schale

Related Pages

• Ancient Greek pottery
• Black-figure pottery
• Red-figure pottery
• Symposium (ancient Greece)
• Exekias