Kantharos (Wine Cup)
Maker
Unknown Maker
(South Italian)
Date4th century B.C.E.
MediumCeramic
Dimensions4 5/8 × 10 1/4 × 7 in. (11.7 × 26 × 17.8 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
Credit LineClarence Day Foundation Collection
Object numberLI.90.61
CommentaryThis elegant kantharos or wine cup was made as a cheaper copy of more costly silver vessels. Its black surface was probably meant to suggest tarnished metal. Within its hollow rim are pebbles or clay pellets. Once the wine was gone, its owner could order a refill by shaking the cup to make a rattling noise, thus summoning a servant.
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