Lot 100a, Auction 4/12/2026: Ancient Bronze Chinese Han Ladles & Roman Spatula

$390.00

In stock

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE; Roman Empire, ca. 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE. A fine trio of ancient bronze utilitarian implements, including two Chinese ladles and one Roman spatula probe. The Chinese ladles feature long tapering handles and deep oval bowls; one is plain while the other is adorned with a raised taotie mask at the terminal beneath a small suspension loop – a mythical motif used to ward off evil and mark ritual prestige. These ladles may have been used for libations or cooking in elite or ritual contexts. Accompanying them is a Roman bronze handle, likely a broken off from a ladle, distinguished by its elegant terminal in the form of a swan or goose head, curving gently serving as a suspension hook. Size of largest ladle: 14.5″ L x 3.75″ W (36.8 cm x 9.5 cm)

Condition: Tip of roman handle is broken off with a modern piece of brass added to reinforce the thin surface. Chinese ladles are intact and excellent. Heavy green patina and mineral deposits.

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

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