Roman, Imperial period, Gaul, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A remarkable and quite rare copper alloy lid of bowl form decorated with a central roundel medallion of multicolor millefiore enameled decoration, consisting of checkerboards and floral patterns. A beautiful and unique addition to any collection. Size: 5.1" Diameter x 1" H (13 cm x 2.5 cm)
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art: "Millefiore enameling was widely popular in Gaul, where it was often used to decorate disk brooches and vessels. In this technique, the artist fuses together glass rods of different colors. The multicolored rods are then cut into cross sections, which are placed in a metal base and heated sufficiently for them to adhere. The result is an intricate pattern of flowers and checkerboards."
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 66.16.
Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, December 2024; ex-Edward H. Merrin Gallery, New York City, New York, acquired on the European art market in the 1980s
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#191713
Condition
General ancient losses to the enamel decoration and some ancient rim losses. Otherwise, very nice presentation with rich, blue-green patina throughout. Old Arte Primitivo label on interior.