Cup from Vafeio Gold plated copper 9,5×7x7cm - BR056COD028-029

Mycenaen golden cup from Vafeio, Laconia. Approximately first half of 15th century B.C. These are two masterpieces of Creto-Mycenaean metalwork, found together with other precious objects in the Vapheio tholos tomb. One-handled cups with flaring straight sides are a common type of early Mycenaean cup. These gold examples bear remarkable repouss? decoration, which covers their entire surface. On the first cup a bull is captured by peaceful means: a man ties a rope around the bull's leg, while the animal mates with a cow; three grazing bulls complete the composition. The second cup shows one bull caught in a net while another attacks two hunters as a third hunter flees. Two simple bands at the cup's rim and base frame this scene. The compositions are naturalistic. Details were added to the repouss? figures by chasing with a sharp tool at the end of the manufacturing process. They were probably made by the same craftsman, although the first cup is more carefully executed.

15th century b.C.
Athens, National Archaeological Museum
Gold plated copper Replica
Size: 9,5×7x7cm