Odysseus 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
Odysseus (Greek: Ὀδυσσεύς, Odusseus) or Ulysses (Ulyssēs, Ulixēs) was the son of Laertes and was the ruler of the island kingdom of Ithaca. He was one of the most prominent Greek leaders in the Trojan War, and was the hero of Homer's Odyssey. He was known for his cleverness and cunning, and for his eloquence as a speaker. Odysseus was one of the original suitors of Helen of Troy. When Menelaus succeeded in winning Helen's hand in marriage, it was Odysseus who advised him to get the other suitors to swear to defend his marriage rights. However, when Menelaus called on the suitors to help him bring Helen back from Troy, Odysseus was reluctant to make good on his oath. He pretended to have gone mad, plowing his fields and sowing salt instead of grain. Palamedes placed Odysseus' infant son in front of the plow, and Odysseus revealed his sanity when he turned aside to avoid injuring the child.