Mastos cup

A section of this black-glazed, one-handled cup is painted with rows of zigzags over horizontal lines. On either side of this panel is a raised decorative element called a mastos (breast) painted with concentric circles.

The geometric patterns on this cup are characteristic of a new artistic style that emerged in Greece between 900 B.C. and 700 B.C., accordingly known as the Geometric period. Appearing first in Athens, this style quickly spread throughout the Greek world. Rows of meanders, chevrons, triangles, and checkerboard designs often covered the entire surface of decorated vases.