Kylix, a sculptor working on a herm

Kylix, a sculptor working on a herm
520-500 BC.
Epiktet.
Height: 7.3 cm. Diameter: 19 cm.
Ceramic.
This kylix, a drinking cup, shows a sculptor working on a herm. A herm is a square pillar with the head of the god Hermes at the top and a phallus halfway up. Herms are often placed along of roads and at the entrance to houses. The inscription reads HIPPARCHOS KALOS, Hipparchos is beautiful, referring to one of the sons of the tyrant Peisistratos.