A kantharos/ˈkænθəˌrɒs/ (
Ancient Greek: κάνθαρος) or cantharus/ˈkænθərəs/ is a type of ancient Greek cup used for drinking. Although almost all surviving examples are in
Greek pottery, the shape, like many Greek vessel types, probably originates in metalwork. In its iconic "Type A" form, it is characterized by its deep bowl, tall pedestal foot, and pair of high-swung handles which extend above the lip of the pot. The Greek words kotylos (κότῦλος, masculine) and kotyle (κοτύλη, feminine) are other ancient names for this same shape.[1]
The kantharos is a cup used to hold
wine, possibly for drinking or for
ritual use or
offerings. The kantharos seems to be an attribute of
Dionysos, the god of wine, who was associated with
vegetation and
fertility.[2]
As well as a banqueting cup, they could be used in pagan rituals as a symbol of
rebirth or resurrection, the
immortality offered by wine, "removing in moments of ecstasy the burden of self-consciousness and elevating man to the rank of deity".[3]
KantharosJanus. Kantharos plastic double head:
satyr head (shown here) and female head, group
Chiusi, 2nd half of the fourth century BC. BC,
terracotta.