Lot 21
Roman Empire, ca 3rd to 4th century CE. An incredibly rare and complete bronze folding tripod. Three vertical supports connected with crossed "X" supports that are each connected in the center with round rivets and able to be folded much like a modern folding chair. Lion-paw feet on the end of each leg with acanthus leaf on the tops of each. Small hooks behind each upper leaf to support an offering basin. Locking mechanisms are held in place through the use of small attached chains. A basin and support like this was designed for easy transport. Size: 11" W (edge of foot to foot) x 25.25" H (27.9 cm x 64.1 cm)
A very similar stand with modern basin is located in the Etruscan Museum, Rome, Italy and individual legs have been sold at major auction houses for over $10,000. Folding tripod stands were well known in the ancient world, in both Greek and Roman contexts. These folding supports for tables, bracers and cauldrons are known finds from important excavations in the Roman world, like Pompeii. The purpose of such folding stands varied: during the meal they were placed between the triclinary beds, and bowls and application plates were hung to the hooks at the back of the holders. They were also used for the fire in military encampments, or in the temples of the gods. Others were used as the support frames for bronze bowls, either for washing or for ritual purposes. Many were offered as funerary gifts, like the splendid example in the chariot grave of Környe. Roman folding tripods were also used in religious rituals and sacrifices. Burnt offerings and libations were offered to the gods in cauldrons that would have been attached to the hooks behind the leaves on the upper section.
This item has been XRF tested and results are consistent with bronzes from this period. Artemis Testing Lab fully guarantees the authenticity of this item.
Provenance: private Sonoma, California, USA collection, acquired from Jean-David Cahn, Basel, Switzerland, 1990s; ex-Italian collection, 1920s
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#188901
- Condition: Old repair to one leg and each of the basin supports repaired and supported form behind with modern bronze strip. Remarkably complete and almost never offered.
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| 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 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |