*This is a hand-painted reproduction, individually signed by the artist.

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THE KYLIX WINE CUP
A kylix ( or cylix ) is a type of wine-drinking cup with a broad, relatively shallow body raised on a stem from a foot and usually with two horizontal handles disposed symmetrically. The word comes from the Greek kulix, "cup," which is cognate with Latin calix, the source of the English word "chalice". The almost flat interior circle on the interior base of the cup - called the tondo - was the primary surface for painted decoration in the Black-figure or Red-figure styles of the 6th and 5th century BC. After the kylixes were formed, an artisan drew a depiction of an event from greek mythology or everyday life with a diluted glaze on the outer surface of the formation. Inside the drinking bowl was often a portrait of dancing and/or festive drinking. Unique compositional skills were necessary for the artisans to attain due to the lack of verticals and horizontals on the surface. Kylixes were most popular during the Mycenaean times of the classic Athenian period of Ancient Greece. Because the primary use for the kylix was at a symposium - a "drinking party", they are often decorated with scenes of a humorous, light-hearted, or sexual nature that would only become visible in stages as the cup was drained.