Terracotta one-handled kantharos (drinking cup)

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of Archaic Athens with this terracotta one-handled kanth, a sophisticated drinking cup dating to around 500 BCE. Crafted in Attic Greece during the late Archaic period, this vase stands about 11 inches tall, its elegant form designed for the symposion—the all-male Greek drinking party where wine flowed and conversation sparked. Unlike the more common two-handled versions, its single handle adds a distinctive flair, possibly easing toasts or passages among revelers. Adorned with scenes of men playing lyres and flutes, the kantharos captures the joyous spirit of ancie...