ATTIC/BOEOTIAN EYE CUP KYLIX

ATTIC/BOEOTIAN EYE CUP KYLIX
Ca. 550 BC.A beautiful black-figure pottery kylix with a wide cup, narrow stem, and upraised opposing handles, all sat upon a short pedestal disc foot. The central tondo is adorned with the painted and incised image of a dancing satyr; a male nature spirit with a human form, but the ears and tails of a horse. External decoration consists of a lively procession of satyrs, heads turned to the left, surrounded by ivy tendrils, and highlighted with incised striations. Two large black eye motifs, complete with expressive eyebrows, are painted on one side. Satyrs were associated with lascivious and inebriated behavior, and are well known for their love of wine, music, dancing, and women. As such, they are frequently pictured as members of Dionysus' retinue, often taking part in Bacchic rites with maenads, female followers of the Dionysiac cult. As such, they form the perfect decoration for a drinking vessel. Greek vase-painters often included eye designs on their drinking cups, for apotropaic purposes or perhaps for the more playful reasons, as through raising the cup to one's lips, it would transform into a mask for the drinker. Size: 280mm x 90mm; Weight: 480g Provenance: Property of a London gallery, acquired on the US art market; formerly in a collection of John R. Orr, Toledo, Ohio, acquired Christie’s, South Kensington, Oct. 30th, 1989, lot 112, pictured on the front cover, to family by inheritance, with copy of Acanthus, NYC. 1989 appraisal list where it is listed as Boeotian.