Askos

Description

This miniature vessel was carved from a single piece of banded agate, polished to a shine, and embellished with a gold lid and gold details on the base. Inside the ring of gold at the base is a trio of gold papyrus stalks, a likely reference to Egypt. In shape, it resembles an ancient wineskin, or askos, though its small size suggests use for luxury perfumes or oils. A tiny crab, likely once inlaid with a precious material, has been carved behind the handle.

Provenance

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Askos

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200–1 BCE

Accession Number

1964.92

Medium

agate and gold

Dimensions

Overall: 6.5 cm (2 9/16 in.)

Classification

Cosmetic Objects

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund