Roman, early Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A fabulous skyphos (drinking cup) of a squat form with a protruding footed base surrounding a petite set of raised concentric circles, rounded walls with a carinated shoulder, a corseted neck, and a thick folded rim decorated with a band of repeating bead-form motifs stamped into the side. Formed from high-grade (95%) silver, cups like this example were used for drinking wine or imbibing on other alcoholic substances. The fact that it is made from silver suggests it was created for an individual of wealth and status who could easily afford the price of the finer things in life. Size: 4.5" W x 1.9" H (11.4 cm x 4.8 cm); quality of silver: 95%; total weight: 197.7 grams.
Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, p. 4, fig. 33 [right example], discussion on pp. 3-4, 7)
For a stylistically-similar example with handles and a foot, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 20.49.3
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; Exhibited and published in catalogue "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World", February 1 - March 31, 2019, Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, p. 4, fig. 33 [right example], (discussion on pp. 3-4, 7)
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#146251
Condition
Body professionally repaired from multiple large pieces with several areas of restoration, with resurfacing along break lines. Minor abrasions to base, body, and basin, with very light softening to some stamped motifs. Fine patina throughout.