Description:

Roman Empire, Imperial Period, Anatolian (modern-day Western Turkey), ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A rather unique terracotta vessel featuring a raised ring base with concave center, a flat disc-shaped body with abstract incised grooves representative of snake or serpent scales, a tall and thin handle, a raised and grooved rim leading to a rough fill hole, and an elongated neck-like channel which ends in a snake-head-shaped terminus with a miniscule wick spout. According to Roman cultural expert George Jennison, snakes were symbolic of familial continuity, being guardians of the household, and as physical embodiments of the family's deceased ancestors (Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome, p. 20). Size: 4.25" L x 2.9" W x 1.75" H (10.8 cm x 7.4 cm x 4.4 cm).

For further information, see: Jennison, George. Animals for Show and Pleasure in Ancient Rome. No. 258. Manchester University Press, 1937.

Provenance: private Schroeder collection, Boca Raton, Florida, USA, acquired before 1970

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#123922

  • Condition: Surface wear commensurate with age, previously-repaired handle, minor nicks and chips to base and shoulders, and some darkening to side scales. Earthen deposits throughout.

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June 28, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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