acratophorum

• a vessel (a pitcher or flask) for holding unmixed wine, Varr. R. R. 1, 8, 5; Cic. Fin. 3, 4, 15.

ACRATOPH´ORUM(ἀκρατοφόρον), a vessel for containing pure and unmixed wine (ἄκρατος), thus distinct from the crater, in which the wine was mixed with water. It differed also from the oenophorum in being placed upon the table [CRATER; OENOPHORUM ], while Julius Pollux compares it to the ψυκτήρ [PSYCTER]. The Greek word was early naturalised in Latin (Varro, R. R. 1.8, 5; Cic. de Fin. 3.4.15). The shape, as might be expected, varied considerably; but the cut in the next column from Buonarotti (Vasi di Vetro, p. 31, ap. Rich) is probably a common type. It is fiom a marble vase bearing an inscription to Silvanus (Silenus), and ornamented with a wreath of vine-leaves; and it is identical in shape with two others delineated by the Pompeian artists (Mus. Borbon. 7.56, 62), one of which is placed in the hands of the god Acratus. (Cf. Marquardt, 7. p. 630.)

(ἀκρατοφόρον). A small vessel for holding wine; a wine-cup. The name is derived from ἄκρᾱτον, “unmixed wine,” and φέρω, “to bear.” Pollux mentions it in his account of ancient drinking-vessels, and describes it as resting, not on a flat bottom, but on small astragals.