Mug Shaped like the Head of a God in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Mug Shaped as the Head of a God
Roman, from Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), 100-1 BC
Lead-glazed terracotta
Signed by Likinnios

Inventory # 83.AE.40

The colors of this mold-made mug imitate precious metals. The deep yellow skin mimics gold or bronze, the reddish brown lips resemble copper, and the green leaves look like patinated bronze. The head may represent Dionysos, the messenger god Hermes, or the woodland god Pan.

The signature of the craftsman, Likinnios, is incised on the underside of this mug.

Text from the Getty Villa museum label.