Greek Bull's Head Cup Reproduction

Silver-plated Greek Bull's Head Cup reproduction on black marble base.

- Dimensions: 3.5 in. H x 3.1 in. L x 1.5 in. D
- Materials: Silver-plated brass with hand-painted gold accents and black marble base
- Includes gift box
- Made in Italy
- Item #: ST924

Made exclusively for the Getty by Walking Sticks, an artisan company that creates luxury accessories and objects for several uses, and leader in the production of walking sticks. With the passing of time, it has become a byword for quality thanks to the care for small particulars, to elegance and tradition, obtaining great results in the worldwide market. It has developed with its creativity a design aiming to satisfy all client requests, communicating taste and originality of the Made in Italy artisan products.

Information on the referenced art object:
Formed in the shape of a young bull's head, this cup is actually composed of two pieces: the shaped outer body and a removable inner liner. The outer body was hammered from a single sheet of silver with repoussé and stamped details. The horns, mouth, garland, and the tear ducts of the eyes are gilt, while the remainder of the eyes was inlaid with glass paste. The garland tied around the neck and the gilding of the horns mark this bull as a sacrificial animal. In the Hellenistic period, the use of luxurious gold and silver tableware was a feature of aristocratic life. Opulent vessels combining silver and gold for the color contrast, such as this cup, were especially desirable. Although many vessels in the form of animal heads or with separable liners are known, this vessel, with its combination of these elements, is unique.

Cup in the Form of a Bull's Head, 100-1 BCE 
East Greece
Silver with leaf gilding
9 x 12.1 x 10.7 cm (3 9/16 x 4 x 4 in.)
The J. Paul Getty Museum, 87.AM.58