Celtic Iron Age Bronze Cosmetic Grinder Bowl

Leaf-shaped in plan with a shallow bowl and pierced lug handle. 23 grams, 64 mm



Found Bedfordshire, UK, in the 1980s. Property of a Kempston, UK gentleman.

With slightly tapering socket and openwork bulb above, discoid platform supporting a mounted warrior modelled in the round; horse with long vertical tail and horizontal reins, bowed legs and scrolls at the hooves; warrior astride the horse with legs bent and feet to the rear, helmet with lateral horns and large swept crest with notched edge; arms bent to show the warrior in the act of drawing his falcata sword from the scabbard worn across his midriff; mounted on a custom-made stand. 152 grams total, 18.2 cm high including stand



Ex Axel Guttmann collection. Accompanied by a copy of an old photograph showing this item on display in a display cabinet within the Guttmann Museum.

The horseman's pose with his legs bent and feet held towards the rear would have been necessary before the introduction of stirrups in the early medieval period. The horse appears to sport a disc between its ears, possibly part of the bridle.

With sprung pin and lateral flange forming the catch. 3.37 grams, 57 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.