1888 Chromolithograph Ancient Greece Kylix Rython Symposium Nude Ritual LCH1

This is a rare original 1888 color chromolithograph which depicts several different aspects of an ancient Greek symposium, or drinking party. They were held for a variety of reasons which included debates, celebrations, and introducing younger males to society (much like a debutante ball). It was forbidden for free women to attend these male gatherings, however prostitutes and entertainers (both male and female) were a common sight. Music abounded, as did singing and rhetoric, and often drinking games would be played. Occasionally, on more formal dining occasions, free women were permitted to attend such gatherings, however they could only sit gingerly at the end of their husband's reclining couch.

Key Elements in Each Panel

Top - 1. Youth carrying a krater, which held wine - 2. Kantharos, a two-handled goblet - 3. Ivy-crowned reveler gesturing with a rhyton in the shape of a horn - 4. Woman carrying a plate of honeycomb and a kantharos - 5. Drinking dish - 6. Kylix - 7. Capis - 8. Hydria, for water only - 9. Shallow dish - 10. Man relaxing on a couch - 11,12,13,14. Rhytons in the shape of animal heads, which would sometimes be pierced at the bottom so the drinker could use gravity to deliver their festive fluid directly into their thirsty mouths.

Bottom - 15,16. The proper way each gender was expected to act, with the male reclined and the female (most likely his wife) seated at the foot of the couch - 17. Acroama, where the women were allowed to recline with the men. The dove suggests that this feast was in honor of Venus - 18. Ceramic jar, labeled - 19. Small purse, labeled - 20,21. Glassware filled with fruit, as a centerpiece. In absence of real fruits, wax or ceramic replicas would be used - 22. Bread basket.

CONDITION

This 123+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine+. Light aging throughout. Light wrinkling. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Chromolithograph; Color
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine+
• Dimensions: Approximately 9.5 x 13.5 inches; 24 x 34 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Period Paper has obtained an extraordinary, ultra-rare collection of original color and chromolithographs, which capture a myriad of ancient cultures and costumes from around the world. Virtually unseen individually, and from perhaps the most coveted portfolio of costumes from the 19th century, these historically important elephant folio-sized chromolithographs depict scenes and images venturing from ancient Egypt to classical Rome and Greece. Each illustration was adapted from actual artifacts and archaeological sites to define accurate representations of life during each time period; from the dainty Orient to the tribes of Oceania, there are beautiful illustrations for all, each more unique than the next.

Please note that the full original supporting documents for this original piece, shown in the additional pictures attached to the listing, are included and will be shipped with this original.

The originals offered are from the first edition of RacinetÕs masterwork on costumes of the world. Many have been heightened in gold and silver. The full color chromolithographs are some of the most spectacular we have procured. The duotone chromolithographs are stunning and impeccably preserved. Each piece from the collection is in museum-quality condition.

Keywords specific to this image: festival, costume, slave, double flute, vase, hetaera

LCH1C88