Kalos inscription

Youth holding a discus at the palaestra. Near him, a pick to prepare the landing ground for the long jump, and a pair of dumbbells used to maintain balance during the jump. (Interior of an Attic red-figure kylix, ca. 510–500 BC. Kalos inscription.)

A kalos inscription is a marking on ancient Greek pottery. They were prevalent during the Classical period (550 to 450 BC). Kalos (καλός) means "beautiful". The word kalos was followed by the beloved's name—usually a youth, but sometimes a girl. These inscriptions are usually found on the drinking cups used during a drinking party. They were probably declarations of love. They are sometimes found as graffiti on walls.

Other websites

• Media related to Kalos inscriptions at Wikimedia Commons