Roman finials were a common decorative feature, often taking the form of animals or mythological characters. It is likely that this protome was originally affixed to a piece of furniture or to a household object, possibly a patera. A patera was a broad and shallow dish or bowl, mostly produced in bronze, and usually used as a sacred libation vessel.
Roman Bronze Decorative Finial
£110.00
A fine Ancient Roman bronze finial featuring a round base and decorative, spiral shape. The top of the base inclines upwards into a conical shape, from which the main decorative design protrudes. It is composed of two curving arms, facing inwards, capped by three protrusions perhaps resembling foliage, the antlers of a stag or two opposing animal heads. Two short, subtly curving protrusions feature at the centre of the design. The underside of the base is concave at the centre, and is joined by a deep v-shaped loop for attachment. A lovely dark patination coats the surface of the finial.
This piece is accompanied by a custom-made stand.
Stand Measurements: L 9cm x W 9cm x H 4.3cm
NB: Weight below includes the stand. Measurements below are for the finial only.
Provenance: From the private collection of M. Cummings, Lincolnshire, UK, 1990s.
Condition: Very fine. A chip to the tip of one arm.
SOLD
Weight | 402.2 g |
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Dimensions | L 4.5 x H 7.1 cm |
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