2-740-581 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Siana Cup, 575-550 BC. The group of early figure-decorated cups of this type is named after a cemetery in Rhodes where many of them were found. In the 6th century, some Attic (Athenian) workshops started making small vases in order to compete in the commercial export market. They copied the popular miniaturist syle of Corinthian ware (see Corinthian Lekythos 1915.532). Front: A horseman is approached by three men on both sides. The inscriptions are decorative nonsense. Within the tondo are two kneeling warriors, possibly Eteokles and Polyneikes, sons of Oedipus, engaged in combat. Beneath each handle is a water bird. Back: A naked man greets a striding warrior. To the right is a horseman and a flying eagle. On the left four men wearing himations (cloaks) approach. The inscriptions are decorative nonsense. Beneath each handle is a water bird.