Kantharos Collection

Ancient Greek pottery, (1898). Creator: Unknown
Ancient Greek pottery, (1898). Figs 1-9: Forms of Greek vases. Fig 1: Amphora, vessel for oil, wine etc. Fig 2: Hydria, vessel for carrying water. Fig 3: Urn, a cinerary vessel

Painting on a harpsichord lid with Bacchus and Cybele, 1590-1675. Creator: Unknown
Painting on a harpsichord lid with Bacchus and Cybele, 1590-1675

Interesting Greek vase discovered at Capua, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Interesting Greek vase discovered at Capua, 1854. Detail from ancient pottery found in Italy. Signor Riccio [excavated]...all the pieces of a Cantharus

Interesting Greek vase discovered at Capua, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Vase recently found at Capua, 1854. Detail from ancient pottery discovered in Italy. Interesting Greek vase...Signor Riccio [excavated]...all the pieces of a Cantharus

Kantharos (Wine Cup) in the Shape of a Female Head, about 480 BCE. Creator: London Class
Kantharos (Wine Cup) in the Shape of a Female Head, about 480 BCE

Kantharos (Drinking Cup), about 300 BCE. Creator: Kantharos Group
Kantharos (Drinking Cup), about 300 BCE

Kantharos (Drinking Cup), 310-280 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Kantharos (Drinking Cup), 310-280 BCE. Cream-colored cup with a small round foot and a thin stem. Two thin arms flare up and out from mid-cup in a " V" shape

Kantharos (Drinking Cup), 300-275 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Kantharos (Drinking Cup), 300-275 BCE. Terracotta cup with handles that appear tied in knots, a simple design around the middle, and a fluted section at the foot

A young woman arranging her clothes in a coffer, 450 BC (stone)
XIR156565 A young woman arranging her clothes in a coffer, 450 BC (stone) by Greek, (5th century BC); Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Taranto, Apuglia

Lead-Glazed Head Kantharos; Likinnios, Greek, active 100 - 1 B.C.; Asia Minor; 1st century B.C.; Terracotta; Object: H: 19 x Diam. (rim): 12.2 cm (7 1/2 x 4 13/16 in.)

Kantharos decorated with geometric patterns, from prehistoric settlement of Asseros, Lagadas, Thessaloniki
Greek civilization, Helladic period, 12th century b.C. Late Bronze Age kantharos decorated with geometric patterns. From the prehistoric settlement of Asseros, Lagadas, Thessaloniki

Etruscan civilization, Kantharos
Etruscan civilization, 6th century b.C. Kantharos

Impasto kantharos, Etruscan civilization, 7th century b. c
Etruscan civilization, 7th century b.C. Impasto kantharos, from Vetulonia, Tuscany region, Italy

Kantharos in shape of white woman and black woman, Detail of white woman
Greek civilization. Kantharos in the shape of white woman and black woman. Detail: white woman

Etruscan civilization, Terracotta kantharos with bifurcated handle from Montegrotto Terme, Sanctuary of S
Etruscan civilization, 8th century b.C. Terracotta kantharos with bifurcated handle. From Montegrotto Terme, Sanctuary of S. Pietro Montagnon (Veneto region, Italy)

Etruscan civilization, Bucchero kantharos, From Vulci, Montalto di Castro, Viterbo Province
Etruscan civilization, 7th century b.C. Bucchero kantharos. From Vulci, Montalto di Castro, Viterbo Province

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The kantharos, an ancient Greek pottery vessel, has captivated historians and art enthusiasts for centuries. Dating back to as early as the 7th century BCE, these exquisite wine cups were crafted by skilled artisans whose names have been lost to time. One such masterpiece is the Kantharos in the Shape of a Female Head, created around 480 BCE by the London Class. This stunning piece showcases intricate details and delicate features that bring this female figure to life. Another notable kantharos is from the Kantharos Group, dating back to about 300 BCE. Its elegant design and expert craftsmanship demonstrate the evolution of this iconic drinking cup over time. Intriguingly, some kantharoi feature unique decorations like geometric patterns found on one discovered at Asseros in Lagadas, Thessaloniki. These designs provide a glimpse into prehistoric settlements and their artistic expressions. The Etruscan civilization also embraced the beauty of kantharoi with examples such as a terracotta vessel from Montegrotto Terme's Sanctuary of S. Pietro Montagnon in Italy. Created during the 8th century BCE, its bifurcated handle adds an interesting touch to its overall aesthetic. Not limited to traditional forms, there are even kantharoi shaped like white women and black women—a testament to diversity even in ancient times—such as those seen in Etruscan art. Whether used for libations or displayed as decorative pieces, these timeless artifacts continue to fascinate us today. They offer glimpses into past civilizations' cultures and traditions while showcasing humanity's enduring fascination with beauty and creativity across millennia.