Askos

Probably France
Mid-19th century

Of patinated bronze, this is an excellent 19th century reproduction of an antique Roman pouring vessel known as an askos. The graceful foliate decorated handle terminates with two rams at the top and a winged putti at the bottom. Thomas Jefferson had a model and a silver copy of an askos that had been excavated at the ruins of the Maison Carrée in Nimes, France. This piece was perhaps made as a souvenir of the Grand Tour.

Reference: Boyd, Julian P. Thomas Jefferson and the Roman askos of Nimes. The Magazine Antiques, July 1973. Pages 116-124.

Bronze
Height: 7”
S635
Sold