Egyptian askos or flask in the form of a pig, boar or sow

Egyptian askos or flask in the form of a pig, boar or sow
ITEM: Askos or flask in the form of pig, boar or sow
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: 3rd Century B.C - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 70 mm x 50 mm x 103 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Emeritus collection (USA), collected from the 1950’s to the 1980’s by a distinguished university professor who served as Department head, Dean and Vice President of a major university.
PARALLEL: BRITISH MUSEUM Collection, Accession number 1888,0601.661. BRITISH MUSEUM Collection, Accession number 1886,0401.1375

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Egyptian askos or flask was a type of small container used in the ancient world, primarily for holding liquids such as oil, perfumes, or water. These vessels typically had a distinctive shape, characterized by a rounded, bulbous body and a narrow neck, often with a handle attached to the neck or the side of the flask. Made from materials like ceramic, glass, or sometimes metal, the askos was designed to be both practical and easily transportable, serving as an essential household or personal item. Its use was widespread across different periods of ancient Egypt, from the New Kingdom to the Greco-Roman period, reflecting the evolution of Egyptian pottery and craftsmanship.

The decoration of Egyptian askoi varied depending on the period and purpose of the vessel. Early examples were often simple in design, with minimal decoration, while later flasks from the Greco-Roman period featured more elaborate motifs. These could include painted or engraved scenes, symbols of deities, or geometric patterns. Many askoi were also produced with molded reliefs or incised inscriptions, sometimes referencing the gods or depicting daily life. The askos was not just a functional item but could also be symbolic, as liquids held in such vessels were often associated with purification rituals or offerings to the gods. For example, in religious contexts, askoi were used to carry sacred oils or perfumes that were poured during ceremonies, connecting them to the divine realm.

In addition to their religious and ritual use, askoi were also used in daily life. They were likely carried by individuals for personal use or for trade, especially in contexts where small amounts of liquid needed to be transported or dispensed.

Measurement:	5 x 7 cm
Depth:	10.3 cm