This mug featuring an Athenian owl framed by olive branches was inspired by a Greek vessel in the Getty Museum's collection.
- 11 oz porcelain mug
- Handwash recommended
- Microwave-safe
- Made in China. Imprinted in California
- Item #: MUGOWL2
The owl was the symbol of the city of Athens. On this red-figure kalpis, an owl stands framed by olive branches, each bearing one fruit. This decoration is unusual for a kalpis, yet the image would have been familiar to any Athenian because the owl, shown with one olive branch, had been on the obverse, or front side, of Athenian coins since the late 600s BCE The owl between olive branches subsequently became a popular motif on skyphoi or cups in Athens in the period around 475 to 425 BCE
Greeks used the kalpis, a variant form of hydria, for carrying water. The three handles of a hydria were designed to facilitate pouring and lifting. Most vase-painters working in the red-figure technique preferred the rounded form of the kalpis.
Group of the Floral Nolans (Greek (Attic), active about 470 BCE)
Red-Figure Kalpis, 480 - 470 BCE, Terracotta
36 x 29.6 cm (14 3/16 x 11 5/8 in)
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
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