Etruscan rooster askos (4th century BCE)
This pottery rooster would be at home in any modern country-themed kitchen. But this askos (flasks or vases in the form of animals) is a rare find. Etruscan askoi are common household flasks, typically used for small-quantity goods like perfume or scented oils. Bird-shaped askoi are rather common among Etruscan pottery, but these are usually in the shape of ducks.
Duck askoi were particularly popular around the 4th century BCE, and heavily produced at the northern Etruscan site of Clusium (modern day Chuusi). This is only one of two known rooster-shaped askoi to date. This particular rooster askoi is notable for its realistic detail, the individual feathers sculpted, rather than painted on, and its comb designed with individual, and irregular, ridges. With such fine detailing in the artwork, especially the delicate edges of the feather and comb, the preservation on this askoi is astounding.
