Description:

Central Italy, Etruria, ca. 600 to 400 BCE. A most unusual fibula, in the form of a wine strainer with a handsome duck head handle. The bowl is round and concave, with perforations arranged in an attractive pattern. The duck visage is finely incised with eyes as well as plumage and beak markings. Such strainers were used to filter out the sediment when serving wine; they were a crucial tool, especially for ancient methods of wine making. Perhaps this fibula belonged to a wine maker. Perhaps it was intended to be the wearer's own personal strainer so that he/she could enjoy the fruit of the vine. Most unusual and clever - perfect for your favorite oenophile! Size: 2.875" L x 1.37" W (7.3 cm x 3.5 cm); 2.25" H (5.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#143884

  • Condition: Missing pin. Minor denting to the bowl and normal surface wear commensurate with age. Details are still quite nice and the bronze has developed a gorgeous green patina over the years.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 21, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000