The Cup with Eyes

The last time I was home and strolling down Oliver Plunkett St, I spotted a pretty gruesome piece of contemporary public art on the facade of the historic Exchange Building. I was complaining about it, later, to a friend, only to be gobsmacked when he told me it was a giant-sized replica of a ceramic Bronze Age drinking vessel found during an archaeological dig in Mitchelstown (back in 2004).

The drinking vessel is actually dated to approximately 3800 years old but, more interestingly, it was decorated with facial features (eyes, nose, ears) and feet.

I believe the original is now housed at the National Museum of Ireland but, apparently, you can now buy 3D copies of this strange vessel (as coffee cups) as well.

I’m obviously a snob as I’m still not impressed.