Sicilian Terracotta Askos in the Form of a Boar

Culture: Greek/Sicily

Period: 4th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 14.2 cm long

Price: 6 800 Euro

Ref: 2662

Provenance: From the renowned private collection of the German numismatist Leo Mildenberg (1913-2001). Subsequently sold at Gerhard Hirsch Auctions in the „Antiken der Sammlung Leo Mildenberg u.a.“ auction on September 25 and 26, 2007, Lot 744. Acquired there by Galerie Jürgen Haering, Freiburg. Sold on 22 November 2014 to the collection of Charles and Hedy Indlekofer, Riehen, Switzerland. Remained in the family collection until recently. With original invoice and catalogue pages from 2007.

Condition: Intact

Description: An exceptionally lifelike terracotta ritual vessel in the shape of a boar. The animal is depicted with well-proportioned facial features, an open mouth with visible rows of teeth, and alert upright ears. The massive, powerful body stands on four slender, anatomically accurate legs with hooves. On the back is the funnel-shaped filling hole with an upward-flaring rim. The spout, shaped like a nozzle, is placed just behind it on the right hindquarter. The ridge along the back runs forward over the head and backward over the rump, and is perforated at both ends for suspension. At the rear, the ridge ends in a small tail bent to the side.