Erotic Drinking Cup

Archaic Greece, c.530 BC

Black-figure pottery

29 cm wide

Provenance

Private collection

A Fine Collection of Classical Antiquities, Part I, Christie’s, London, 10 July 1974, Lot 106 (pl.31)

Collection of Stanley J. Seeger (1930-2011), acquired at the above sale

Thence by descent

A rare, erotic cup exemplifying the revelry and humour of ancient Greek culture, particularly within the context of symposia - the social drinking parties of the elite. This wine cup features two large eyes on the exterior, which, when tilted up to drink, humorously superimpose themselves onto the drinker’s face. At the same time, the act of drinking reveals the cup’s indecent imagery, perhaps adding an element of playful surprise.

£35,000