Terracotta fragment of an askos (flask with a spout and handle over the top)
Unknown Artist
late 5th century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, Distinguished Research Curator, Greek and Roman Art, 2011
Accession Number
2011.604.2.2019
Art Historical Context
This terracotta fragment from an askos, a distinctive ancient Greek flask with a spout and arched handle, dates to the late 5th century BCE, the height of Athens' Classical period. Crafted in Attic workshops—renowned for their exquisite pottery—this piece reflects the ingenuity of everyday Greek vessels. Askoi like this were practical yet elegant, designed for pouring oils, perfumes, or unguents in households, symposia, or religious rituals, embodying the blend of utility and artistry in classical life. Though only a fragment survives, it offers a glimpse into Attic terracotta techniques: han...