Description:

Ancient Greece, Hellenistic Period, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A sizeable cast bronze phiale, a special libation bowl used for holding wine, with a hollow, rounded, raised boss, known as an omphalos, in the center. The omphalos is thought to have symbolized the navel of the earth, the central point of power around which all revolved. Adding further interest to the piece is a raised ring followed by an incised scalloped border surrounding the omphalos. Size: 7.375" in diameter x 1.625" H (18.7 cm x 4.1 cm); 8.75" H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Libation bowls, known as phiale, were used across a wide geographical area - from Greece to Tibet, throughout the ancient Near East and Central Asia. These shallow bowls for holding wine in ritual and ceremonial settings were made from many materials - glass, ceramic, and many kinds of metal including bronze.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#138468

  • Condition: Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Nice areas of lustrous finish as well as sage green patina.

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October 11, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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