What fascinates us about the kantharos
When Dionysus, the god of wine and joy, appears in ancient art, he is almost always holding the same vessel: the kantharos. Hardly any form is so closely linked to a deity, and hardly any radiates so much festivity.
The uniqueness of the form
It is the handles. Two large, curved arches rise from the sides and extend far above the rim. They give the vessel an almost majestic silhouette and make it unmistakable at a single glance.
The XENIOS kantharos bowl
We have turned the deep wine cup into a wide, shallow serving bowl. What remains are the two large arched handles that rise above the rim of the bowl: the gesture of the kantharos is retained, while its function has been reimagined. Whether for salad at a large dinner party, fruit, shellfish, bread and cheese, or a floral arrangement, the bowl brings everything to the table in festive style. And even when empty, it serves as a centerpiece. Dishwasher-safe and handcrafted in Germany from high-quality stoneware.
A look back
In ancient Greece, the kantharos was one of the drinking vessels used at the symposion, the festive evening among friends. Attic vase painters of the 6th and 5th centuries BC depicted it time and again in the hand of Dionysus as a sign of his presence. To this day, it is considered a symbol of ancient joie de vivre.
Hospitality was a sacred duty in those days, overseen by Zeus Xenios, the god who gave our name its origin.