Lot 34
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A gorgeous example of a cast bronze ceremonial ladle with a deep round bowl and a long handle that ends in the head of a duck, swan, or goose. The ladle - a simpulum or simpuvium - was used to make libations and to taste wines and liquors that were poured on the heads of sacrificial victims. It was also more generally a utensil, shown in banqueting scenes on Greek and Italian vases aiding in the distribution of wine into cups. The hooked end of the handle is shown in a scene from an Etruscan tomb being held by a slave and used to hang the utensil from the side of a large wine vessel. The style of this example - with the round bowl and the handle ending in the head of an animal, especially a duck - was a very long-lasting tradition, extending from the Greeks and Etruscans to the Romans. Size: 2.5" W x 15.4" H (6.4 cm x 39.1 cm); 15.9" H (40.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#152905
- Condition: Handle may have been reattached, but if so, it is very well done and difficult to discern. Otherwise in fine condition with great encrusted patina and nicely preserved decorative details.
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