Terracotta askos (flask with a spout) in the form of a cock

Unknown

2nd half of 3rd century BCE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Askoi shaped like animals were commonly used as lamp fillers; the oil was introduced into the askos via the small inlet off to the side, and was then poured out through a tiny hole under the beak into the lamp in a smooth and controlled stream. Although Magenta ware is believed to have been made across the Graeco-Roman world, the prevalence with which animal-shaped askoi have been found in Italy suggests an Italic origin for this piece as well.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd half of 3rd century BCE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Italic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1906