Graeco-Roman
A large Graeco-Roman bronze jug, circa 2nd century BC - 1st century AD
Bronze
Height: 35.8 cm
Further images
With an ovoid body and flaring mouth, the rope handle terminating in an ivy leaf attachment.
With an ovoid body and flaring mouth, the rope handle terminating in an ivy leaf attachment.
Provenance
Cyril Humphris, London, 1967
Alan and Marianne Schwartz, Michigan, acquired from the above, thence by descent
Exhibitions
Detroit Museum of Art, Michigan, Detroit Collects: Antiquities, 14 March - 29 April 1973Literature
Bronze jugs such as this example were popular throughout the Greek and Roman worlds. They were designed for tableware use, particularly for carrying and serving water and wine at banquets. Bronze vessels of this quality were regarded as highly luxurious objects, owned by only the wealthiest in society. Bronze vessels from this period show first-rate craftsmanship, and demonstrate mastery of symmetry and proportion.For a jug handle with a similar rope design see Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Antikensammlung, acc. no. Fr. 1415. For a jug handle terminating in an ivy leaf attachment also in Berlin, see acc. no, Fr. 1420.