Ancient Roman Lead-Glazed Terracotta Kylix

Object Description

A fine Roman, green lead-glazed terracotta kylix, or drinking bowl, featuring a convex, shallow body. The bowl of the vessel is carinated and leads to a raised ring foot. Two horizontal ring handles, formed from a single rod of clay, have been applied to the rim of the bowl, joining in the centre and forked at the juncture. The interior of the bowl is enriched with five appliques. In the centre is a tragic actors mask. This is surrounded by four winged figures, depicting Eros in a variety of poses and holding various attributes. The scene is framed by a band of leaf-shaped motifs around the rim of the vessel.

Date: Circa 1st Century AD

Object History

Ex Cambridge, UK, gentleman, 1990s.

Object Condition

Fine condition with some weathering and earthy encrustation. The piece has been repaired near the right handle with a chip reattached. Some stable cracks on the shoulder and across the right handle are still visible. Warping to the glaze in the middle of the kylix. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chipping to the rim and base, and minor scratches.

Object Details