Description:

Classical World, Etruria, ca. 5th century BCE. Skillfully cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) technique, a sizeable and finely decorated bronze vessel handle, cast with an elegant veiled head in high relief at the upper end of the grip, facing outward from the lateral rim attachment which presents 'beaded' circular terminals with incised flower blossoms on the faces at either end. At the lower terminal of the handle grip is a stylized leaf or palmette form. Size: 4.875" H (12.4 cm); 6.625" H (16.8 cm) on included custom stand.

This handle was probably created for a hydria. The hydria - a vessel used primarily for fetching and pouring water - derives its name from the Greek word for "water". Vase painters oftentimes depicted hydriai, painting scenes of ladies carrying water from a fountain. Two horizontal handles extending from hydriai were used for lifting and a vertical handle at the back was used for pouring and dipping.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#146599

  • Condition: Small loss to lower palmette terminal and periphery of one perforation at upper end of handle. Minute old nicks to peripheries that are difficult to see. Bronze has developed an attractive green patina.

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May 22, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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