Menelaus Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm - 600-750 BC

Hand-made ceramic copy of a Greek Geometric wine cup from the 8th Century BC (see additional photos). Makes an impressive household decoration, or even an elegant pencil holder for your desk. This is a hand-painted reproduction, individually signed by the artist.

It is not intended for drinking from or ingesting anything from. It is only for decorative purposes.

Handmade in Greece
Approx. 95mm (3.75 in) height
Approx. 70mm (2.75 in) diameter

Due to special handling requirements, please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Express delivery available upon request.

GREEK GEOMETRIC POTTERY
Geometrical art flourished in the 9th and 8th centuries BC. With the Early geometrical style (approximately 900-850 BC) one finds only abstract motifs, in what is called the “Black Dipylon” style, which is characterized by an extensive use of black varnish, with the Middle Geometrical (approx. 850-770 BC), figurative decoration makes its appearance (geometric-shaped human bodies in detail, soldiers holding shields, etc.), which first depicted bands of animals (horses, stags, goats, geese, etc) which alternate with the geometrical bands. In parallel, the decoration becomes complicated and becomes increasingly ornate; the painter feels reluctant to leave empty spaces and fills them with meanders or swastikas. This phase is named " horror vacui ", and lasts until the end of geometrical period. At the end of the period there appear representations of mythology - gods and goddesses portraying historical scenes, usually in groups and performing specific notable activities.

History
In Greek mythology, Menelaus (Ancient Greek: Μενέλαος, Menelaos) was a legendary king of Mycenaean (pre-Dorian) Sparta, the husband of Helen of Troy, and a central figure in the Trojan War. He was the son of Atreus and Aerope, and brother of Agamemnon king of Mycenae and, according to the Iliad, leader of the Spartan contingent of the Greek army during the War. Prominent in both the Iliad and Odyssey, Menelaus was also popular in Greek vase painting and Greek tragedy; the latter more as a hero of the Trojan War than as a member of the doomed House of Atreus.