Two-Spouted Strainer Askos (Flask)
Unknown Artist
300–200 BCE
Medium
ceramic
Dimensions
37 × 31 cm · diameter of mouth 14.5 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust
Accession Number
1915.529.a
About this artwork
Although now referred to by the Greek term askos, because of its resemblance to the animal skins used to hold wine in ancient Greece, this ceramic shape developed in the South Italian region of Daunia (north of Apulia, on the Adriatic coast). This example is unusual for its three openings—one covered by a lid, the others spouted with built-in strainers. Its profusely painted decoration, mostly geometric and vegetal patterns applied in black with added red and white, is arranged in bands that fol...