Two-Spouted Strainer Askos (Flask)

300–200 BC

Two-Spouted Strainer Askos (Flask), 300–200 BC. South Italian, Daunian or Canosan. Ceramic; diameter of mouth: 14.5 cm (5 11/16 in.); overall: 37 x 31 cm (14 9/16 x 12 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1915.529.a 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. Each spout has a built-in strainer—one near the top, the other near the bottom.