Collection Item

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleLip-Cup

About this objectLip-cups were primarily used for drinking wine, and feature a protruding lip inside to catch sediment. These types of lip-cups are of the mid-stage production and feature minimal design.

Here, side A features a lion and bull, while side B depicts a lion attacking a bull. There is a 'nonsense' inscription on either side of the cup, which have no translation. There are also small palmettes drawn by the handles. Red and white paint is added to the figures for detailing.

Cups used in the symposium could range considerably in size right up to 50 cm in diameter. This lip cup was a popular mid-size vessel. At just under 22 cm in diameter, it can hold approximately 750 ml of wine. It is estimated that at a ratio of one part of wine to two parts water, the drink would contain approximately 5% alcohol.

While reclining on the kline (couch), the symposiast would hold their cup in one hand, probably grasping it by the foot. Filled up with wine, just holding the cup would have required strength and dexterity to control. Perhaps encouragement for the drinker might have been found in the decoration, which depicts a lion attacking a bull. In the ancient world, lions were symbols of power, courage, and great strength.

To listen to the audio description for this object, go to JLMC 34.55 Attic black-figure lip-cup

Date Madeca. 550-525 BC

PeriodArchaic

Place MadeGreece

Medium and MaterialsCeramic; Pottery

Style and IconographyAttic

Style and IconographyBlack-figure

Inscription and MarksAlong the handle band, two inscriptions on both Side A and B, however the markings are unable to be deciphered into any readable word or phrase.

TechniqueBlack-figure vase painting

TechniqueThrowing (pottery technique)

TechniqueGlazing (coating process)

MeasurementsHeight 127mm; Diameter 213mm.

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased, 1955

Object TypeDrinking Vessels

Object number34.55

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved