Kantharos

by Stable MARK

Explore the kantharos (κάνθαρος), the iconic Greek wine cup with high-swung handles. See its role in ritual, myth, and daily life through ancient examples.

Apulian red-figure kantharos from around 320 BC showing a seated youth, with high-swung handles and painted decoration. — Image: Apulian red-figure kantharos, dated to around 320 BC, decorated with the image of a seated youth. Typical of South Italian pottery.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

This article presents a close look at the ancient Greek kantharos (κάνθαρος): its shape, purpose, origins, and meaning. Includes several authentic examples and visual comparisons.

Table of Contents

What is a Kantharos?Where did the kantharos come from?Dionysus and the Kantharos What is the shape of the kantharos?What was the kantharos used for?

What is a Kantharos?

Ancient Boeotian kantharos from the late 6th century BC with geometric patterns and flying birds painted on the upper register. — Image: Boeotian Kantharos with flying bird motifs, dated to the second half of the 6th century BC. Displayed in a museum setting.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

A kantharos (/ˈkænθəˌrɒs/; Ancient Greek: κάνθαρος) or cantharus (/ˈkænθərəs/) is a type of ancient Greek drinking cup, primarily used for wine consumption and ritual offerings. It’s easily recognized by its deep bowl, tall pedestal foot, and high arching handles that rise above the rim. The kantharos was also a symbolic vessel closely associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and divine ecstasy.

In stock

Roman Silver Kantharos Cup Skyphos

Year 2024

$ 10450

Ref: 11VN9000

Where did the kantharos come from?

The form likely originated in Greek metalwork before being widely reproduced in ceramic vessels. Though nearly all surviving examples are pottery, its design reflects metal prototypes from the early Archaic period.

Etruscan kantharos with tall looping handles and black-glazed surface, from Caere, dated late 7th to early 6th century BC. — Image: Etruscan Kantharos from Caere (Cerveteri), dated to the late 7th – early 6th century BC. Exhibited in a museum collection.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

In stock

Roman Silver Skyphos Cup Kantharos

Year 2022

$ 10450

Ref: 18VN9000

Dionysus and the Kantharos

Roman marble statue of Dionysos-Bacchus, 2nd century AD, standing nude with kantharos in right hand (one handle missing), surrounded by vine and feline. — Image: Roman marble statue of Dionysos-Bacchus from the 2nd century AD, holding a kantharos in his right hand. On display at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

The kantharos is closely associated with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, vegetation, and fertility. In ancient art, Dionysus is often depicted holding a kantharos, symbolizing abundance, ecstasy, and the transformative power of wine. The vessel became his attribute, representing not only drinking but also the spiritual renewal and vital energy linked to nature and festivity.

Relief eines Satyrs mit einem Kantharos in der rechten Hand, Teil eines großen antiken Marmorgefäßes. Ausgestellt im Kunsthistorischen Museum, Wien. — Image: Relief of a satyr holding a kantharos in his right hand, part of a large ancient marble planter. Displayed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

What is the shape of the kantharos?

Early Greek Protocorinthian kantharos from around 700 BC with horizontal lines and a bold meander motif. — Image: Protocorinthian Kantharos with geometric meander design, dated around 700 BC. Typical of the early Greek geometric period.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

The classic "Type A" kantharos features:

A deep, round bowl
A narrow pedestal base
Two high-swung vertical handles that rise above the rim

Some variants include flaring rims, broader bowls, or looped handles.

Exhibit graphic showing outlines of ancient Greek drinking cups: kylix, skyphos, kantharos, and rhyton, used for wine consumption. — Image: Typology of ancient Greek drinking vessels: Kylix, Skyphos, Kantharos, and Rhyton — museum panel from Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Comparable forms of ancient drinking vessels include the Kylix (a wide, shallow cup), the Skyphos (a deep two-handled cup), the Kantharos (with high arched handles), and the Rhyton (a horn-shaped ceremonial vessel).

What was the kantharos used for?

The kantharos served a dual purpose:

1. Banqueting cup – used in symposia (drinking parties).
2. Ritual vessel – for libations and religious offerings, symbolizing rebirth, resurrection, and spiritual elevation through wine.

Dionysian imagery often includes kantharoi, held by satyrs, maenads, or Dionysus himself.

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