A clamping and holding apparatus for an article (1) fixed under preload by at least one clamping means (4), preferably for a container of variable volume, the clamping and holding apparatus having a clamping frame or carrier (3) assigned to the article (1), and also a clamping device (5), assigned to the clamping frame or carrier (3), for the clamping means (4), the clamping frame or carrier (3) being provided with guide or directing devices (6) for the clamping means (4) and being able to be connected by said clamping means to the article so as to provide a preload force, the clamping means (4) being composed of at least one endless belt composed of elastomer material which wraps around the article and at least parts of the clamping frame or carrier (3) and the wraparound length of which is variable by means of the clamping device (5).