Mug in the Shape of a Head of an African Man in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, June 2010

Mug in the shape of a man's head
Greek, Archaic Period, about 510 B.C.
Class of Boston 00.332

Place of Manufacture: Athens, Attica, Greece

Dimensions: Height: 17.7 cm (6 15/16 in.)

Medium or Technique: Ceramic, Black Figure

Classification: Vessels

Accession Number: 00.332

The mug has the form of a man's head topped by a rim and handle. The face is a deep black color and the texture of hair, broad nose, and protruding lips identify the subject as an African man. His age is indicated by crow's feet and wrinkles on his forehead. On the rim are two large eyes, one on either side of the mug's handle. On the front of the rim are Dionysos and two satyrs in a vineyard. ...White is used for Dionysos' drapery and for the whites of the African's eyes. White, bag-like blobs appear above and below each satyr. Repaired with some restorations. Potter name-vase of the Class of Boston 00.332. Painter near-the Group of Vatican G.57.

Text from: www.mfa.org/collections/object/mug-in-the-shape-of-a-man-...