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Chous (Toy Pitcher), Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Chous Pottery
Chous Pottery
Toward the end of the 5th century BCE, Athenian potters and painters created a large number of miniature oinochoai (sing. oinochoe), or pitchers, decorated with children at play or imitating adults. It is thought that they were given to the youngest members of the family during the Anthesteria, a three-day celebration of the new vintage of wine and the arrival of spring. These little vessels are called choes (sing. chous), which means libations, after the name of the second day of the festival. Children took part in the festival but did not consume (drink) wine.
On the body: a boy reading from a scroll and a boy with a lyre. The boy on left is seated in a chair, a mantle round his legs, reading from a partly-opened scroll which he holds in both hands
On the body: a boy reading from a scroll and a boy with a lyre. The boy on left is seated in a chair, a mantle round his legs, reading from a partly-opened scroll which he holds in both hands
British Museum, London
At the Anthesteria, the festival of the new wine that took place in the autumn, children participated. The small choes made for their use are often decorated with games and playthings.
At the Anthesteria, the festival of the new wine that took place in the autumn, children participated. The small choes made for their use are often decorated with games and playthings.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), London
Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art
If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us
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