Large / Roman Imperial Bronze Patera

Roman, later Imperial Period, ca. 4th to 5th century CE. A handsome cast bronze patera, a rare find as the handle and bowl of such vessels are more often found separately. This is a complete vessel with a characteristically shallow, round bowl which has a slightly convex tondo (representing an omphalos) encircled by an incised border. The rim is also encircled by an incised border. The handle is flat, with two flattened baubles at its end. The patera stands on a ringed foot with multiple rings of concentric circles cast on its underside. Size: 14.9" W x 2.85" H (37.8 cm x 7.2 cm)

In ancient times, a patera would have been used to serve food and drink at symposia/dinner parties or as is an offering dish to pour libations of wine and other liquids at religious ceremonies. An example like this one, with such high quality bronze and an ornate zoomorphic head finial, was most likely used in rituals.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, purchased in 2016 from C.J. Martin Ltd., London, UK

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#151286
Condition Report: Intact, with some slight deformation of form and scratching on surface commensurate with age. Two small spots of wax/adhesive on one side that appear to have dripped from something else onto it. Pretty mottled turquoise patina on surface.