Minimalistic Duck-Shaped Askos, Phylakopi I Culture, Early Cycladic III, ca. 2300–2000 BCE
Based on an Early Cycladic vessel from Phylakopi I on Melos, this hand-built duck-shaped askos combines sculptural simplicity with refined prehistoric decoration. Its compact rounded body, lateral spout and small loop handle form a distinctive vessel type associated with the Cycladic Early Bronze Age.
Bird-shaped vessels were among the characteristic ceramic forms of the Bronze Age Aegean, and related Cycladic pottery was circulated beyond the islands, including to Crete. The original prototype is housed in the British Museum (GR 1865.12-14.39 BM Cat Vases A330).
The surface is decorated with hand-incised spirals and geometric motifs inspired by Early Cycladic pottery, filled with white kaolin paste. The matt surface was produced in two versions, either deep black or unevenly fired with reddish and dark clouded tones, both providing a strong contrast with the white-filled incisions and recalling the appearance of prehistoric burnished ceramics.
Dimensions H: 15cm, max D: 17 cm, max L : 21,5 cm