Ancient Roman Bronze Lidded Amphoriskos

£ 1,750.00

An exceptional Ancient Roman bronze lidded aryballosos featuring a baluster-shaped body with short neck and collar rim. The vessel stands on a slightly spayed tubular foot; underneath, a concave base is decorated by concentric rings and a central knob. Two twin handles with palmette finials rise from the shoulders and attach to the rim. A suspension loop features at the top of each handle with a linked chain raising to two central attachment rings. A third suspension chain is attached to the same rings and holds the lid, decorated with circular grooves and raised bands. Green, blue and brown patination remains on the surface. A few minor dents to the body.

Date: Circa 2nd-3rd Century AD
Condition: Fine condition, a few minor dents to the body.

SOLD

During the Roman period, vessels were made in great quantity and manufactured in diverse materials, including glass, pottery, stone and metal. Metal-based vessels were usually manufactured from copper alloys, widely available in the ancient Mediterranean. The properties of bronze allowed vessels to be manufactured by either casting or hammering, thus enabling a relatively fast production. Amphoriskoi were delicate flasks used primarily to store oil and expensive perfume. Normally produced in glass, these vessels are occasionally found in bronze.

Weight 158.8 g
Dimensions W 5.8 x H 18.3 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, please see The Metropolitan Museum, item 00.13.2

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