Lip cup

Type of ancient Greek drinking vessel

A lip cup is a type of ancient Greek drinking vessel that was primarily used for consuming wine. It is a subtype of the kylix, which is a broader category of Greek cups characterized by their wide, shallow bowls and horizontal handles.

Description

A lip cup from the Antikensammlung Berlin, attributed to the Ergotimos painter

The lip cup is distinguished by its distinct design, where the lip or rim of the cup is sharply defined and often painted in a contrasting color to the rest of the vessel. This design feature not only served an aesthetic purpose but also made the cup easier to drink from. The lip cup typically has a broad, shallow bowl and a short stem, with two horizontal handles attached to the sides.

The decoration on lip cups often includes black-figure or red-figure techniques, which were popular in ancient Greek ceramic art. These decorations might depict scenes from Greek mythology, daily life, or athletic competitions, reflecting the cultural and social values of the time.

Historical Context

Lip cups were produced during the Archaic and Classical periods, roughly from the 6th to the 4th centuries BCE. They were commonly used in symposia, which were social gatherings where Greek men would drink, discuss philosophical topics, and enjoy entertainment.

The production of lip cups was centered in Athens, which was a major hub for pottery during this time. Athenian potters and painters were renowned for their skill and creativity, and their works were widely exported throughout the Mediterranean.

Function and Use

Lip cups were primarily used for drinking wine, which was a central element of Greek social and religious life. The design of the lip cup, with its wide mouth and shallow bowl, made it ideal for mixing wine with water, a common practice in ancient Greece to dilute the strong wine.

The handles of the lip cup allowed for easy handling, and the defined lip made it easier to drink without spilling. These practical features, combined with the decorative elements, made lip cups both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Artistic Significance

The artistic significance of lip cups lies in their decoration and craftsmanship. The use of black-figure and red-figure techniques allowed artists to create detailed and expressive scenes on the surface of the cups. These scenes provide valuable insights into ancient Greek culture, mythology, and daily life.

The contrast between the painted lip and the rest of the cup also highlights the skill of the potters and painters, who were able to create visually striking pieces that were both functional and decorative.

Related Pages

• Kylix
• Ancient Greek pottery
• Black-figure pottery
• Red-figure pottery
• Symposium