C. 400 or later. South Italian. Cream-coloured Canosan-style askos with globular body and three vertical projections which form podia for winged female victories with elaborately modelled dresses; a fourth projection in front of the central victory depicts a male figure, possibly a drunk Hercules, embracing a woman, perhaps a follower of Bacchus. A female head applique with elaborate headdress and coiffure occupies the centre of the askos body. Traces of blue paint are visible on the dresses of the victories, on the male figure’s robe and on the applique. An askos is the name given in modern terminology to a type of ancient Greek pottery vessel used to pour small quantities of liquids such as oil; they were often used in religious ceremonies. Excellent condition; possibly heavily restored. Size: L:470mm / W:280mm ; 4.2kg; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s;