Vapheio Cups

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Found in the Vapheio tholos tomb.
Early 15th century BC

This gold cup was a set of two found in the tomb. The decoration of the cup shows a bull being captured in a net while hunters are being chased away by another bull on the back side (2nd image). The impressions are very carefully detailed for a generally utilitarian item which is unique for this time.

Kilian-Dirlmeier I., Das Kuppelgrab von Vapheio. Die Beigabenausstattung in der Steinkiste, Jahrbuch des Romisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseums, Mainz, 1987, pp. 197-212

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