The Pythagorean cup is also under the name Tantalusbecher or cups of modesty known. Pythagoras wanted his students so that the doctrine of right degree show.

A Pythagorean cup (also known as a Pythagoras cup) is a form of drinking cup which forces its user to imbibe only in moderation. Credited to Pythagoras of Samos, it allows the user to fill the cup with wine (a popular beverage in Pythagoras' time) up to a certain level. If the user fills the cup only up to that level he may enjoy his drink in peace. If he exhibits gluttony however, the cup spills its contents out the bottom (the intention being: onto the lap of the immodest drinker).

This article reflects the protected trademark of the Thuringian Glass Art Guild .