Kantharos
The kantharos (pl. kantharoi) is a deep vessel with two distinctive high handles. The stem of the foot is often tall. The form can be traced back to the eighth century, and kantharoi - perhaps metal versions- are frequently depicted on black- and red-figure vases, held by Dionysos or Herakles. Although the name is ancient (Greek kantharos - dung-beetle), it is not clear how precisely it was connected with this shape, and it seems that kotyle could have been used as well.
In the fourth century, the 'cup kantharos' is common. Its handles project horizontally, and do not return to join the body.
- Boeotian kantharos ht. 7cm
Boeotian black kantharoid cup - skyphos ht. 7cm
Black kanthoroid trick vase ht. 12cm
Boeotian red-figure kantharos ht. 20cm