Advanced Search 
Handless cup with stamped frieze
Italic, Etruscan
Archaic Period
575–550 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Bucchero
Dimensions
12.2 cm (4 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. J. Dixwell
Accession Number76.210
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Fairbanks, Vases (MFA), no. 620.
DescriptionHandless cup or chalice with a straight-sided bowl set on a high hollow stem, ending in a flaring foot. Projecting ridge in the center of the stem and grooved molding at the bottom of the bowl.
Frieze of 9 stamped figures, made using a cylinder seal and divided into two groups.
First group: At the left a tunic clad male moving to the right and carrying a spear stands behind a woman holding a garland or crown. They both approach a male figure seated on a large throne, under which crouches a bird. The seated figure faces left and holds a three-pronged object in one hand and gestures with his other raised hand. Behind the throne stands another woman facing left and carrying a garland or crown. Behind her a female figure with wings (Potnia Theron) and holding two birds faces left.
Second group: At left a woman holding a garland or crown and facing right stands behind a figure seated on a folding chair. He offers a kyathos to another figure seated on a folding chair, facing left and with arms raised to accept the kyathos. Two three-pronged objects appear behind the two seated figures, perhaps vegetation. It is also possible that they hold these objects. At the far right a spear-bearer moves to the left.
Frieze of 9 stamped figures, made using a cylinder seal and divided into two groups.
First group: At the left a tunic clad male moving to the right and carrying a spear stands behind a woman holding a garland or crown. They both approach a male figure seated on a large throne, under which crouches a bird. The seated figure faces left and holds a three-pronged object in one hand and gestures with his other raised hand. Behind the throne stands another woman facing left and carrying a garland or crown. Behind her a female figure with wings (Potnia Theron) and holding two birds faces left.
Second group: At left a woman holding a garland or crown and facing right stands behind a figure seated on a folding chair. He offers a kyathos to another figure seated on a folding chair, facing left and with arms raised to accept the kyathos. Two three-pronged objects appear behind the two seated figures, perhaps vegetation. It is also possible that they hold these objects. At the far right a spear-bearer moves to the left.
ProvenanceBy 1875: in a public collection in Chiusi; sold at public sale in Florence to J. J. Dixwell (said to be from Chiusi); gift of J. J. Dixwell to MFA, March 1876