Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An impressive bronze handle depicting Silenus, with vivid facial features, a long mustache, full beard, fringed coiffure, and pointy ears modeled in relief at the lower terminus. The upper section of the handle presents (from top down) a floral blossom flanked by leaves, a profiled portrait head that perhaps represents the owner of this piece, and a petite vessel. Silenus was the mythical teacher and drinking companion of Dionysus, Greek god of wine, winemaking, and the grape harvest - and furthermore, by virtue of the inebriated state brought about by the ingestion of such fermented libations of the vine, the deity was associated with madness, theatre, and spiritual ecstasy. A wonderful piece, especially for any oenophiles (wine lovers) out there! Size: 4.75" L x 3.375" H (12.1 cm x 8.6 cm); 6.625" H (16.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#131826

  • Condition: Old losses to the peripheries of Silenus' beard and each end of the handle. Gorgeous green and russet patina.

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April 5, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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