Description:

Italy, Etruscan culture, ca. 5th century BCE. A delightful piece of symposium (drinking party) accoutrement, this is a strainer whose slender, strap-like handle terminates in a curved down swan's head. Swans and ducks were common motifs in Etruria, although their meaning is mysterious today. The bowl of the strainer is wide, and pierced through with tiny holes forming repeated, curved lines radiating from the center. Like ladles, these items were used for wine. Ancient wine could have a great deal of sediment, making the strainer an important item, as anyone who has ever accidentally swallowed the dregs will know. Size: 10.83" L x 4.85" W (27.5 cm x 12.3 cm)

See an almost identical example from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (22.139.17).

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121296

  • Condition: Intact with pale grey-green patina over most of surface. Encrustation in strainer area.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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