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molded flask in the form of a comic seated Silenos
Greek, South Italian
Hellenistic Period
150 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Italy, Campania
Medium/Technique
Ceramic, Red Figure
Dimensions
9.7 cm (3 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number01.8149
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Vase-Painting in Italy (MFA), no. 096.
DescriptionFlask or Lamp filler made in the shape of Comic Silenos-a parody of the follower of Dionysos--note his coarse features. He wears a wreath of ivy and sits holding a kantharos close to his chest with both hands. His genitals hang on the ground between his feet. The double handle at the back has a thumb-grip in the form of a small square of clay. Above the handle is a cup-shaped filler-hole with strainer. There is a small aperture for pouring in the left upper arm. Magenta Group ware from Campania
ProvenanceBy 1901: with E. P. Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in Rome.); purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, December 1901