Askos. Gnathia, second half of the 4th century BC.

Askos. Gnathia, second half of the fourth century BC.
Terracotta glazed in black with details in ochre and yellow.
Provenance: old English collection, acquired in the mid-20th century; Private collection, acquired at the Helios Gallery, May 2013.
Measurements: 13.2 x 12.5 cm.

This terracotta askos is coated in an intense black glaze and decorated using the Gnathiana technique. The chromatic contrast is remarkable: the base of the vessel maintains the natural light terracotta tone of the clay, while the rest of the piece is lustrous black. The main decoration consists of a painted garland in the center of the body, which includes two hanging leaves and a central flower.

The askos is a typology of Greek pottery characterized by having one or two spouted necks, located on one or both sides, which can be used as handles. They generally have a flat or at least a low belly. These vessels were used to serve small quantities of liquids, such as lamp oil.