Description:

Rome, early Imperial period, ca. 100 CE. This is a beautifully formed bronze griffin with his wings extended and his claws gripping a ball that would have served as the foot of a cauldron. The piece has details showing the feathers, claws, and face of the animal. The griffin (or gryphon) is a beast with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion; in Graeco-Roman mythology, they lived in the Rhipaean Mountains of Scythia and guarded rich gold deposits. A bronze cauldron would have been expensive to make and a luxury item for many families, probably passed down through generations; they also were used for many different activities, ranging from cooking to holding the cremated remains of the dead in graves. They were usually three-legged and would have had cast figures like this griffin arrayed around them. Size: 1.8" L x 2.2" W x 2.6" H (4.6 cm x 5.6 cm x 6.6 cm).

Provenance: Ex. M. Reiniger collection, Chicago, IL,

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#111208

  • Condition: Black patina; the artwork and tiny decorative details are clear.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 31, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000