Red-figure miniature wine-jugs (‘choes’)

At the beginning of each spring, the Athenians celebrated the ‘Anthesteria’, a 3-day festival in honour of god Dionysus, during which the new vintage was tasted. The second day was dedicated to large wine-drinking contests. Characteristic wine-jugs, known as ‘choes’, were given to all participants. Even the younger members of a family took part in the celebrations; they were given miniature “choes” as gifts – perhaps symbolizing their transition from infancy to childhood.

These miniature vases often depict toddlers and infants – a topic which is unusual in the iconography of earlier centuries. Miniature “choes” were also placed as offerings in the graves of young children.