Between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, the ceramic centre of Ariano Irpino specialised in the production of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic flasks, flasks and salt shakers. The abundant and widespread creation of such flasks included shapes in the shape of dogs, lions, sphinxes and among the best known are the characteristic flasks shaped like mermaids as a symbol of abundance. In some cases this production was inspired by examples from both the classical world and by decorative models typical of the Napoleonic style.