Terracotta vase in the form of a lobster claw

Attributed to the Class of Seven Lobster-Claws

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 157

Donkey; keras (drinking horn)

Because so many aspects of Greek life depended on the sea, a vase in the shape of a lobster claw is not surprising. It is, however, exceptional and may be a variant of the askos—a bag-shaped oil container provided with a vertical mouth and strap handle. The Dionysiac iconography of the lobster claw suggests that it was a novelty item used at symposia (drinking parties).

Terracotta vase in the form of a lobster claw, Attributed to the Class of Seven Lobster-Claws , Terracotta, Greek, Attic

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Terracotta vase in the form of a lobster claw, Attributed to the Class of Seven Lobster-Claws , Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta vase in the form of a lobster claw, Attributed to the Class of Seven Lobster-Claws , Terracotta, Greek, Attic
Terracotta vase in the form of a lobster claw, Attributed to the Class of Seven Lobster-Claws , Terracotta, Greek, Attic

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