Two-Spouted Strainer Askos (Flask) with Lid

300–200 BCE

South Italian, Daunian or Canosan

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Medium

ceramic

Measurements

Diameter of mouth: 14.5 cm (5 11/16 in.); Overall: 37 x 31 cm (14 9/16 x 12 3/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1915.529

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Location

102D Pre-Roman

Did You Know?

Each spout has a built-in strainer—one near the top, the other near the bottom.

Description

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 follow the contours of the vessel.