Object Description
A beautiful, ancient Greek Attic, red-figure terracotta cup, known specifically as a glaux. The vessel features a deep bowl, with gently sloping sides. Two d-shaped handles have been applied horizontally at each end, framing the bowl of the cup. The body ends in a small ridged foot. Across the body is a distinctive Attic motif; a red-figure owl, standing in profile with its large head turned to face the viewer. Additional detailing has been added in black glaze, such as the large wide eyes, the collar at his neck and the feathers on his wing. Flanking the bird are two olive branches, their oval leaves stylised but distinctive. A bordering red-figure line sits beneath both the owl and the sprigs. The scene repeats itself on the other side of the bowl so that the space between both handles is decorated. The rest of the vessel is decorated with black glaze, bar the underside of the foot which has been left plain to showcase the rich red of the terracotta.
Date: Circa mid 5th century BC