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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. The ancient components of a situla – two handles, a spout, and an applique – added to a modern bronze vessel designed to look ancient. One one upper side is a dramatic applied terminal in the form of a young man’s face; on the other is an applied spout in the form of a lion’s head. Each applique holds two ends of the twin parabolic bail handles which can easily move within their housing and when at rest nestle against the flat rim of the vessel. The terminals are abstractly zoomorphic, suggesting the long snout or beak of an animal, while the handles themselves are smooth and flat. The patina on the ancient components of this piece are absolutely gorgeous, a pale blue-green. Size with handles raised: 7.4″ W x 9.2″ H (18.8 cm x 23.4 cm)
The situla form was originally made for cooling and serving wine at banquets; others were used to hold ashes, or were buried with offerings in tombs. This decorative example was most likely made specifically for mourning the dead.
Condition: The handles and appliques are ancient, the body of the vessel is modern. Handles and appliques are in beautiful condition with deep blue-green patina.
Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000
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