686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Nov 15, 2024
Roman Empire, ca 3rd to 4th century CE. An incredibly rare and complete bronze folding tripod. Three vertical supports connected with crossed "X" supports that are each connected in the center with round rivets and able to be folded much like a modern folding chair. Lion-paw feet on the end of each leg with acanthus leaf on the tops of each. Small hooks behind each upper leaf to support an offering basin. Locking mechanisms are held in place through the use of small attached chains. A basin and support like this was designed for easy transport. Size: 11" W (edge of foot to foot) x 25.25" H (27.9 cm x 64.1 cm)
A very similar stand with modern basin is located in the Etruscan Museum, Rome, Italy and individual legs have been sold at major auction houses for over $10,000. Folding tripod stands were well known in the ancient world, in both Greek and Roman contexts. These folding supports for tables, bracers and cauldrons are known finds from important excavations in the Roman world, like Pompeii. The purpose of such folding stands varied: during the meal they were placed between the triclinary beds, and bowls and application plates were hung to the hooks at the back of the holders. They were also used for the fire in military encampments, or in the temples of the gods. Others were used as the support frames for bronze bowls, either for washing or for ritual purposes. Many were offered as funerary gifts, like the splendid example in the chariot grave of Környe. Roman folding tripods were also used in religious rituals and sacrifices. Burnt offerings and libations were offered to the gods in cauldrons that would have been attached to the hooks behind the leaves on the upper section.
This item has been XRF tested and results are consistent with bronzes from this period. Artemis Testing Lab fully guarantees the authenticity of this item.
Provenance: private Sonoma, California, USA collection, acquired from Jean-David Cahn, Basel, Switzerland, 1990s; ex-Italian collection, 1920s
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
<br><br><b>SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: </b>Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
#188901
Old repair to one leg and each of the basin supports repaired and supported form behind with modern bronze strip. Remarkably complete and almost never offered.
All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.
**Please note, we are currently unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia due to customs clearance issues. We are working to resolve this issue. If you are in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, arrange your own shipping, or we will not be able to complete your purchase.* **For shipments outside of the USA, custom / duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**