Classical World, Italy, Etruria, Etruscan culture, ca. 6th to 4th century BCE; Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A fine ensemble of 5 leaded bronze or copper miniatures in a variety of forms. First is an Etruscan leaded bronze horse figurine standing in an elegant pose with a finely incised mane. A petite Roman copper alloy head with dark green patina depicts an abstract creature, perhaps an elephant or eagle head. A Roman leaded bronze simpulum (ladle) handle features a slender ibex head with a pair of backswept horns, and a petite Roman leaded bronze avian ornament bears a craned neck and a pair of sharply angled wings. The final piece is a Roman leaded bronze phallus pendant features a tapered head and a set of testes beneath an integral suspension loop. Size of largest (Etruscan horse): 1.76" L x 1.47" H (4.5 cm x 3.7 cm)
Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006
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#133853
Condition
Ibex simpulum handle is a fragment of a larger piece as shown; remaining 4 pieces are intact and very good. All items have light abrasions and nicks, with softening to some finer details. Great patina throughout.