Ancient Greece, Athens (Attic), ca. 500 to 450 BCE. An outstanding Attic a mastoid eye cup, decorated via the black-figure technique with each side presenting a griffin standing in profile, flanked by two large eye motifs, as well as details delineated with fugitive white and red pigment and fineline gestural marks in the field. Scholars posit that Greek vase painters placed eyes on cups, because they were apotropaic - having the power to ward off evil. Another theory is that that when held up to drink, the eye cup would transform into a mask with painted eyes. Size: 3.75" W x 2.8" H (9.5 cm x 7.1 cm)
The invention of the eye cup is traditionally attributed to Exekias whose eye cup in the Staatliche Antikensammlungen in Munich (530 to 540 BCE) is generally regarded as a masterpiece. Exekias presented large apotropaic eyes and battles between heroes on the exterior and on the interior, Dionysos sailing in a ship with dolphins in the surrounding seas.
Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection, ex Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York City, acquired before 2000; ex Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Feuer, New York, USA, acquired from Sotheby's New York, June 1989, lot 418A; ex property of Sigmund Harrison
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#156838
Condition
Repaired from four original pieces with restoration in some areas, and resurfacing and overpainting over new material and break lines. Nicks to rim and abrasions to original pigment. Nice remains of iconography across exterior. Old inventory label beneath foot.