ticketsMember | Make a donation

Amphoriskos (oil flask)

ca. 340–320 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 161
These two flasks, 2015.641 and 2015.642, undoubtedly for oil, have been known since the early 1880's, when they were purchased by the noted British archaeologist Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt-Rivers. They remained with his descendants until 1992. Documentation indicates that they were found together at Capua, a major center in the Italian region of Campania. However, the technique of decoration, in which color is applied onto the vase, points to neighboring Apulia as the place of production. The simple motifs are adapted with exceptional sureness to the irregular surfaces of the respective shapes. Under the spout, the askos additionally shows a suspended theatrical mask between ribbons and ivy leaves, popular details associated with the wine god, Dionysos.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Amphoriskos (oil flask)
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: ca. 340–320 BCE
  • Culture: Greek, South Italian, Apulian, Gnathian
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
  • Classification: Vases
  • Credit Line: Purchase, John S. and Maria Christina Bilimatsis Gift, 2015
  • Object Number: 2015.641
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar), Princeton Group, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar)
Princeton Group
ca. 540–530 BCE
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with lid and knob (27.16), Exekias, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (jar) with lid and knob (27.16)
Exekias
ca. 540 BCE
Terracotta neck-amphora (storage jar), New York Nessos Painter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta neck-amphora (storage jar)
New York Nessos Painter
second quarter of the 7th century BCE
Terracotta amphora (jar), Andokides as potter, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta amphora (jar)
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 530 BCE
Terracotta Panathenaic prize amphora (jar), Leagros Group, Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta Panathenaic prize amphora (jar)
Leagros Group
ca. 510 BCE

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.