Holding a full wineskin, a satyr runs along looking back over his shoulder. Satyrs were half-human creatures and followers of Dionysos, the Greek god of wine. The satyr wears the ivy wreath also associated with human revelers, but his tail and ears show his animal nature.

Many Greek vases, especially elaborate cups, were designed for use at symposia, or drinking parties. Therefore, vase-painters frequently decorated these vessels with scenes of human revelry and drinking, or, as in this case, with mythological scenes of Dionysos and his satyrs. Only the interior of this cup has painted decoration; plain black glaze covers the outside.