The Proto-Corinthian Period

This very well preserved Greek terracotta kylix, dated ca. 590-580 BCE, is characteristically a Proto-Corinthian style piece of pottery. Despite the sherd missing from the back of the vessel and the slight fading of the frieze on the lip, this kylix is still in good condition. The Proto-Corinthian period was well after the establishment of the potter’s wheel, so presumably, this piece of pottery would have been thrown on a potter’s wheel, painted for decoration, and then fired in a kiln.. The kylix itself, made of a natural yellow-tan toned terracotta, contains three main friezes, one across the lip of the cup and two across the belly of the drinking vessel. The principle motif on this kylix mirrors Easter styles, specifically animal processions.

Within the registers are painted figures representing real and mythical animals, including lions, sphinxes, boars, and panthers. Painted using the black-figure technique, the figures within the friezes are incised to add sufficient detail. Characteristic of Proto-Corinthian pottery, rosettes and lotuses are found in the empty space within the friezes and cross-hatched triangles are found near the base of the kylix.
This well-crafted kylix most likely served as a vessel for drinking wine, a common feature of Greek people’s everyday life. Subsequently, these vessels were often the most highly decorated pieces of pottery. The artist who crafted this piece of pottery seems to be influenced by Greek mythology and/or religion, as represented by a very important figure in Greek art, the sphinx. Perhaps the artist drew upon the power and wise appearance of the sphinx for inspiration, for the sphinx is notorious for its representation of keen abilities and intelligence
The style and orientation of the panther is characteristic of Egyptian art during this period, which was commonly adopted by the Greeks during the Proto-Corinthian period.

While all other animals rendered within the registers are in profile, the head of the panther is oriented in such a way to show a full-frontal view of its face. This orientation allows the panthers to almost make eye-contact with its viewer, possibly to suggest a feeling of mystique.

The scenes represented within the friezes alternate between predatory and prey. The artist seems to be paying homage to the relationship between these animals, mythological and real, that play distinguishable roles in the Greek culture. However, it is notable that the artist did not include any water-dwelling animals, while creatures of earth and air are included. Perhaps this was due to creatures of water not being characteristic of Proto-Corinthian pottery or simply the artistic style of the creator.

Although this drinking cup was technically not created in the Proto-Corinthian period, stylistically it embodied the characteristics of Proto-Corinthian pottery. While mythological scenes and motifs were representative throughout Corinthian pottery, the distinctive use of more figural animals rather than humanoid figures places it in the Proto-Corinthian period of Greek

pottery.