Roman, 1 - 2nd century A.D.

Bronze

H: 16 cm

PROVENANCE: Gawain McKinley, Paris and London, ca. 1985

Serial no.: 1265

Bronze vessels, such as this one, which were popular throughout the Greek and Roman worlds, were used to serve liquids (such as wine) at the dinner table. Their presence is well attested in Pompeii, where numerous examples were found.
This is a beautiful example of the type, with a long beaked spout, flat bottom, and an elegant handle. The vessel's only adornment is at the base of the handle, a round human face with stylized features: a flat nose, prominent ears and downturned mouth; the bulging eyes are inlayed, and the hair is rendered in two layers. Faces such as this one are well attested on Roman bronze oinochoi and served to adorn the tableware of Roman households.