Eyed-kylix

Kylikes were cups for drinking wine. This particular vessel, dating between 530 and 520 BC, is conventionally called ‘eyed-kylix’ because of the large eyes that adorn the external sides of the vessel.

The intense and large eyes have been attributed an apotropaic symbolism, related to the prevention of the “evil-eye” in popular beliefs. At the same time, the eyes could also be interpreted as a warning to the drinker so that he does not consume an excessive amount of wine.