A Kantharos
is a cup-shaped drinking vessel with two handles, usually high feet, made of burnt clay or metal. This vase shape is considered an attribute of the wine god Dionysos. Kantharoi were widespread in Greece in the 6th and 5th century B. C., but were already detectable in Mycenaean times, i. e. in the 2nd half of the 2nd millennium B. C..
This Kantharos from the geometric period, the first epoch of Greek art, dates back to the 7th century BC. The yellow background colour and the surrounding, uniform ornaments, in this case warriors on horseback, are typical of this art form.
Replica as a reduction. A seal on the handle bears the inscription "MUSEUM COPY", reverse side "HAND MADE IN GREECE".
