Greece, Hellenistic Period, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A remarkable, cast-bronze phiale, a special libation bowl used for holding wine, with a hollow, rounded, raised boss, known as an omphalos, in the center. The omphalos is thought to have symbolized the navel of the earth; the central point of power that all things revolved around. Russet and green patina naturally adorn the surface, accompanied by light earthen deposits - all imbuing the vessel with an elegant presentation evocative of the ancient world! Size: 6" Diameter x 1.5" H (15.2 cm x 3.8 cm)
Libation bowls, known as phiale, were used across a wide geographical area - from Greece to Tibet, throughout the ancient Near East and Central Asia. These shallow bowls for holding wine in ritual and ceremonial settings were made from many materials - glass, ceramic, and many kinds of metal including bronze.
Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired prior to 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#169669
Condition
Light scratch to interior. Expected abrasions in some areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina and lovely earthen deposits. Collection label on base.