Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An impressive bronze handle depicting a bearded visage, most likely Silenus, with vivid facial features, a long mustache, full beard, long wavy locks that extend to peripheries, and pointy ears modeled in relief at the lower terminus. At the opposite end of the handle is an attractive female face, perhaps intended to represent a goddess or the owner of this piece. The arched length of the handle is fluted and presents a lower decorative section with granulated upper and lower borders surrounding a fluted convex band. 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: 5.25" H (13.3 cm); 5.875" H (14.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137174

  • Condition: Superb! Simply excellent and presenting a glowing, warm, almost golden patina that has developed over the ages.

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November 29, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$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