East Greek, Phrygian, ca. 7th to 6th century BCE. Skillfully cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) method, a copper rhyton in the form of a bull head, replete with expressive features delineated in low to high relief, including large round eyes with creases above as if opening them wide, a prominent wrinkled snout with delineated nostrils and mouth, and pointy horns with ears below. A smooth handle joins the rim to the lower end of the back of the bull's neck. A very rare example. Size: 7.5" L x 4.375" W (19 cm x 11.1 cm); 9.375" H (23.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Rhytons like this example demonstrate the ancients' refined taste for special tableware, and this piece was probably used both as a drinking cup and as a pouring vessel to decant wine into drinking bowls during festive banquets. Zoomorphic forms like this one were popular throughout the Classical world, and bulls symbolized power, signifying virility and masculinity, qualities prized above all others in ancient Greece. What's more, bull figures were often given as offerings at the Temple of Zeus of Olympia.
Provenance: Estate of Dr. W.M. Bogdanowicz, Naples, Florida, USA, purchased in 1989 at Grays Antiques, Mayfair, London, UK
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#160724
Condition
Loss below the handle and areas of loss to neck with radiating cracks as shown. Copper has developed a rich age patina.