Vessel Applique, Mask of Silenus, ca.1st-2nd Cent. AD

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

Copper Alloy; 11CM / 0.40KG or 4 1/4 inches / 14 ounces

Mask of Silenus, featuring his typical bald pate, bulging almond-shaped eyes set back below his furrowed, overhanging brow, horses ears, snub nose and rounded cheek bones, his beard and mustache formed of thick radiating wavy locks. Most likely from a wine-mixing bowl, the top is hand engraved and curled to have snugly fit about the rim. The reverse cast to match the curvature of the bowls side.

If my wine-mixing bowl surmise is correct, the bowl itself had to have been truly enormous, and very heavy, just to support this one applique alone but, more than likely, there may have been a quartet of them?

The first photo is "as arrived", the other two after my lame attempt of restoration. Any thoughts as to whom may have owned such a valuable artifact?

Best regards to all,

Kevin

[SC]

Your identification is undoubtedly correct - with the caveat that I couldn't tell a late Greek era one from a Roman era one.

As to who would have such a large vessel - noble's estate, rich merchant, even a military unit.  Heck maybe even a tavern for all I know.

I understand that these vessels were often very large as they were for mixing the wine, sometimes with up to 10x the amount of water, so they would have to be large.

Nice piece.

SC

[Mayadigger]

Ave Shawn,

Thanks for your wine bowl affirmation!

Best regards,
Kevin