Vases Black-figure Kyathos (dipper): The Wine God Dionysos
Kyathos (dipper): The Wine God Dionysos
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Kyathos (dipper): The Wine God Dionysos

Black-figure c. 510 BCE
The central figure on this dipper is the wine god Dionysos, who stands between two large eyes. He walks to the right but turns his head to the left, his arms clutching the ivy vines which spread out throughout the background. His wreath, beard, shawl, and tunic are decorated with added red paint, making him appear more vibrant. The eyes flanking him are large eyes filled in with black with red pupils and irises. On either side of the handle next to the eyes are roosters whose feathers, combs, and wattles are brought out with red paint. In the background behind the roosters are lotus buds. The entire dipper mimics the anatomy of a face where the triangular Dionysos mimics a nose and the fan-like roosters the ears.
Technique
Period
Archaic period
Date
c. 510 BCE
Culture
Greek
Dimensions
W: 38.10 cm
Medium
Terracotta, white ground
Findspot
Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Attica
Museum
Harvard Art Museums
Accession Number
1969.15
Image Source
harvard
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)