Vapheio

The site of a Mycenaean tholos tomb in Laconia, Greece, dated to the 15th century BC and the style of magnificent gold cup found there. The popular shape was straight or slightly splayed walls widening to the rim, and a single handle. The form occurs in pottery from the Middle Minoan period (late 16th-early 15th century BC) on Crete and was important to the Mycenaeans in the Late Helladic period. The two examples are decorated with scenes of bulls. Other rich grave goods were bronze weapons and fine jewelry.

Mycenaean tholos burial near Sparta, southern Greece, which produced many rich grave goods. Among these were two fine gold cups, decorated in relief with scenes of bulls. These cups have given the name ‘Vapheio cup’ to this particular shape of drinking vessel, characterized by a flat base, straight flaring sides and a single handle. The form occurs in pottery from the Middle Minoan period on Crete and became popular among the Mycenaeans in the Late Helladic period.