Purpose
Because the primary use for the kylix was at a symposium - a "drinking party" - in the ancient Greek world, they are often decorated with scenes of a humorous, light-hearted, or sexual nature that would only become visible when the cup was drained. Dionysos, the god of wine, and his satyrs or related komastic scenes, are common subjects. The shape of the kylix enabled the drinker to drink whilst recumbent, as was the case in the symposia.
Read more about this topic: Kylix (drinking Cup)
Famous quotes containing the word purpose:
“I want that glib and oily art
To speak and purpose not, since what I well intend,
Ill dot before I speak.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)
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—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)
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—Thomas Hobbes (15791688)