Greek Attic Red-Figure Askos w/ Dog & Goat

Greece, Athens, Attic period, ca. 5th century BCE. A stunning askos, a vessel with a flat shape and spout at one end, and a wide strap handle in the center. The piece has been black-glazed and fired to a high sheen that was meant to replicate the shine of metal, especially bronze. A delightful red-figure scene is painted on the broad shoulder. One on either side of the handle, each with their feet towards the edge as if chasing each other round and round, are a goat and a dog. The dog crouches with its ears perked, ready to pounce, while the goat's legs frantically extend as it tries to escape the canine pursuit. The lively scene is delightfully portrayed and reminds us of our shared interests with people who lived millennia ago. Askoi were used to hold liquids, and one this size would have been used to hold precious oils, which could become viscous when cold. The handle was used to lower the vessel into heated water to liquefy the oil. Perhaps its owner bought it because of his or her own beloved dog. Size: 4.05" W x 2.5" H (10.3 cm x 6.4 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, auction #96 (December 3, 2019, lot 511); ex-Irving Bobrow, New York, New York, USA, acquired in the 1970s to 1990s, inherited by family via descent

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#152856 Dimensions: Condition Report: Spout and handle have been repaired from three pieces. This is well done and unobtrusive. No restoration or overpaint. The dog and goat are very clear in form and detail. Some small losses to pigment - mainly on handle and spout.