Roman Bronze Vessel Handle with Silver Inlaid Face

1ST CENTURY A.D.

5 5/8 in. (118 grams, 14.4 cm).

Swept in profile comprising a horizontal crescentic panel to attach to the rim, with inlaid silver detailing, recurved cobra-shaped thumb pad, raised serpent to the outer face of the tapering handle, finial a mask of Bacchus or Pan, facing with volute scrolls to the brow and thick splayed beard; silver diadem.

Provenance

Private collection.
with Christie's, London, 11 June 1997, no.97 (part).
with Bonhams, 13 April 2000, no.198.
Private collection, Europe.

Published

Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 7th October 2026-9th December 2026; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.

Literature

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 74.51.5463, for similar.

CONDITION

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LOT 1070