Graeco-Roman Silver Votive Figure of Pallas Athena

Composed of a shallow bowl and broad flange rim, two integral scalloped handles with scrolled flourishes, tapering to a loop handle with swan head terminals each with incised eye and beak detailing; perforated whirl within roundel to interior base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 160 grams, 22.2 cm wide (526 grams total including stand)



Ex private South German collection, 1980s. with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, lot 86. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11578-198980.

Elaborate silver strainers, such as this present example, were used at symposia and festive occasions for the purpose of preventing the dregs of wine from entering the wine cup. This and other related silver utensils became popular in the later 4th and 3rd century B.C. These highly decorated wine strainers were fitted with dual handles forming loops in the shape of twisting animals, here a swan. Usually they took the form of a shallow dish complete with four rings of perforations in the centre in order to drain the wine. Strainers of this type were used to separate out sediments which could be found in the thick Greek wine. Examples similar to this one have been found in royal tombs in northern Greece, as well as the tomb of a monarch in Sudan.

Comprising a quadruped modelled in the round, possibly a dog or a bull, with an iron collar around its neck and loop to the back; standing on a rectangular matrix with a stylised dog. 13.1 grams, 27 mm



Private collection formed in the 1990s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

With tapering rounded bottom, deep shoulder, tall neck pinched to a triangular shape spout, strap handle to the rear. 253 grams, 14.7 cm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.