An exquisite and rare set of four late 19th century Vapheio (shape of vessel) cups. These cups were manufactured by the studio of Emille Gillieron. Gillieron was perhaps the most famous illustrator of excavated antiquities in Greece at the close of the 19th century. These cups depict the capture of wild bulls. The bull was a popular and respected subject in ancient Greek culture and art. These rare cups are rendered in 850 silver repousse with a gold (vermeil) wash to the interior. The detail of craftsmanship is remarkable. The cups are fully marked with the maker's name "Emille Gillieron Athens" The work of GIllieron can be found in the National Gallery of Athens where an entire gallery is devoted to his replicas of works from Greece's Bronze Age.
Height of each cup: 3 1/8 inches by 5 3/4 in diameter to the end of each handle.

This listing is for the complete set of four cups.