From ancient Greece, dating to the second half of the fourth century B.C., ca. 350-300 B.C. Solid bronze vessel typically used as a perfume container, as it held a valuable oil and/or unguent. This example has an exceptional dark emerald-green patina with dark blue and light brown deposits. The detailing is equally impressive, with minute fine lines encircling the body (it took an artist with great skill to engrave these). The very wide, funnel-shaped mouth enabled one to control the flow of the liquid and this also served as a platter for application. This piece was used by a wealthy woman, as this type of vessel is rare in bronze, and this vessel was an essential component of her toiletry. An analogous example was sold in Christie's Antiquities, New York, June 2001, no. 165 ( $5,000.00-$7,000.00 estimates, $5,875.00 realized.) Another example of this type ( 4-1/2"H.) was found in Grave Beta, Dervini, Greece, and is now seen in the Museum of Thessalonike. For this piece, see "The Search for Alexander" by N. Yalouris, Little, Brown and Company Pub., 1980, no. 133, page 169. This type of vessel was also produced in silver and is extremely rare, and usually does not have the fine line design as the piece offered here shows. 3-1/2"H x 3-1/2"D at top, intact/excellent condition.

ProvenanceEx-private NYC, NY Collection.

ca. 350-300 B.C.

Material Bronze
Dimensions 3-1/2"H x 3-1/2"D
Condition Intact

Antiquities
Ancient Greek