Terracotta askos in the shape of Silenus
The flask is shaped as a statuette of a reclining older satyr, also known as Silenus. He lies on a low couch, atop a panther skin, which is clearly visible on his back. Silenus’ elbow leans on a wineskin, his back against a sitting panther, whose mouth serves as the spout of the vase. In his right hand, he likely originally held a cup or bowl of wine, which explains his state of intoxication. Silenus was frequently depicted in South Italian vases, where he is always shown as a disorderly and comic figure, with an unkempt beard, a large belly and grotesque facial expression.
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