Black-glazed Askos in Form of a Knucklebone

Culture: Greek

Period: Early 4th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 8.5 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 2294

Provenance: Collection Jean-Philippe Mariaud de Serres, acquired prior to 2000. Thence Christie’s Paris on 16 and 17 February 2011, lot 306.

Condition: Intact

Description: Very rare, black-glazed askos in form of a talus from the hind leg of a cloven-hoofed animal. The Greek called these knucklebones of sheep, goats or bovine astragaloi and used them for skill or dice games. On the back a handle with a deep middle ridge. On the front a profiled spout. For reference of the askos’ form see Christie’s New York, 8 June 2007, lot 105.