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Akantharos (/ˈkænθəˌrɒs/;Ancient Greek:κάνθαρος) orcantharus (/ˈkænθərəs/) is a type of ancient Greekcup used for drinking. Although almost all surviving examples are inGreek 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 wordskotylos (κότῦλος, masculine) andkotyle (κοτύλη, feminine) are other ancient names for this same shape.[1]
The kantharos is a cup used to holdwine, probably both for drinking and forritual use inlibations andofferings. The kantharos seems to be an attribute ofDionysus, the god of wine, who was associated withvegetation andfertility.[2]
As well as a banqueting cup, they could be used in pagan rituals as a symbol ofrebirth or resurrection, theimmortality offered by wine, "removing in moments of ecstasy the burden of self-consciousness and elevating man to the rank of deity".[3]
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