Skyphos

by Stable MARK

The skyphos is one of the classic drinking vessels of ancient Greece. With its deep bowl and twin handles, it played a central role in wine rituals and everyday life.

Ancient Greek black-figure skyphos depicting a centaur in motion, centered between two large circular shield-like patterns, with twin handles. — Image: Attic black-figure skyphos with a centaur motif, circa 500 BCE. The vessel shows a rearing centaur flanked by stylized shield decorations. Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) Vienna.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Discover the skyphos and its role in ancient Greek culture. This article offers a clear overview of its form, meaning, and use — with many examples and visual comparisons of Greek drinking vessels from the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna.

Table of Contents

What is skyphos?What does the Greek word skyphos mean?What is the plural form of skyphos?What is skyphos used for?

What is skyphos?

Black-glazed ancient Greek skyphos with a red-figure depiction of an owl, flanked by vertical decoration; two handles on each side. — Image: Owl skyphos from the 4th century BCE, created after an Attic model. The vessel features a stylized depiction of an owl, associated with Athena and wisdom.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

The skyphos (Ancient Greek: σκύφος, pl. skyphoi) is a deep, two-handled drinking cup used for wine in Ancient Greece. Characterized by a low foot or no foot at all, the cup has either horizontal thumbhold handles or loop handles. Skyphoi appear from the Geometric period onward and were produced well into the Hellenistic era.

In stock

Roman Silver Kantharos Cup Skyphos

Year 2024

$ 10450

Ref: 11VN9000

Decorative silver skyphos with high-relief figures, grape clusters, and mythological motifs in Dionysian style; two loop handles and a fluted pedestal base. — Image: Silver skyphos with elaborate repoussé decoration featuring Dionysian figures and grapevine motifs, inspired by Roman luxury vessels.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

While the shape remained consistent over time, decorative styles evolved—ranging from black-figure and red-figure techniques to more elaborate figural scenes. Skyphoi were made from clay, silver, or gold, with rare examples like cameo glass known from Roman times.

In stock

Roman Silver Skyphos Cup Kantharos

Year 2022

$ 10450

Ref: 18VN9000

Ancient red-figure skyphos with two rearing goats facing a central tree motif; black-glazed surface with twin handles. — Image: Italian red-figure skyphos from the 4th century BCE, depicting two goats rearing up on either side of a stylized tree.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work.

Skyphoi served both practical and ceremonial functions, especially during symposia. A famous variation is the glaux (Greek for owl), which features one horizontal and one vertical handle.