Terracotta Askos in the Form of a Bull in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2011

Terracotta askos (flask with a spout and handle over the top)

Period: Late Classical

Date: 4th century B.C.

Culture: Greek, South Italian, Apulian

Medium: Terracotta

Dimensions: Overall: 4 1/16 x 5 9/16 in. (10.4 x 14.2 cm)

Classification: Vases

Credit Line: Purchase, The Abraham Foundation Inc. Gift, 1979

Accession Number: 1979.11.5

Description:

Recumbent bull

South Italian pottery is rich in hand-sized flasks for oil. The askos shape originates in that of a leather bag; when used for wine, the source is an oxhide, trimmed and sewn closed. Askoi often assume the form of animals.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/1300...