Late Roman Bucchero Jug

Modelled in relief with openwork elements, stylised detailing to both figures; hollow reverse. 182 grams, 10.2 cm high



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Hollow cast bronze images of Eros riding a lion are linked to the Eastern Levant and have been found for example in Tamna, probably a Roman import. The importance of the long-distance contacts within the Eastern Mediterranean areas was rapidly reflected in provincial artistic styles, probably as soon as in Hellenistic times, at the beginning of the third century B.C., possibly even earlier. The unquestionable Greek influence led a number of scholars to define three main styles for the bronzes discovered in the eastern Roman provinces: a local type and iconography locally produced, Greek or Roman imports, and Oriental, Hellenistic, or Roman style, locally produced.

With integral suspension lug, decorated with millefiori face cane slices and geometric motifs. 2.29 grams, 16 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

Sitting on its haunches, eating a large nut, stylised incised detailing to its textured coat, feet, ears and face; small socket to wedge-shaped base. 17.8 grams, 27 mm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.