GREEK?ETRUSCAN BRONZE VESSEL HANDLE

Ca. 600 - 400 BC. A bronze vessel attachment in the form of a long, slightly tapering strap, terminating below in a broad scalloped palmette and above in a pierced leaf-shaped suspension loop. Both faces are decorated with finely incised palmettes, scrolling tendrils and volutes arranged symmetrically around a central axis. The expanded lower plate served as the attachment to the vessel wall, with the perforated terminal securing the movable handle. Its structure and vegetal ornament belong to the Greek?Etruscan tradition of bronze vessels and related banqueting equipment. Size: 175mm x 35mm; Weight: 145g Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly H.G. collection; acquired from A. Kotllar, Paris, French art market, 1970?2006.