An Ancient Greek bronze vessel, possibly a cupping cup. It features a globular body with a pointed base. An encircling ridge decorates the body around the centre. To the top, the vessel rises into a short neck, which tapers inwards slightly to a circular mouth with an everted rim. The pointed base of the vessel features a small, circular perforation. A green patina and earthly encrustations to the surface. Vessels were made in Ancient Greece in a wide variety of shapes and materials, for example bronze (such as this example), terracotta, glass, stone, wood, and more. They served a number of different purposes, including as funerary, votive, medicinal, or domestic items for washing or for holding wine, oils, water, and cosmetics. Bronze, as a alloy of copper, which was widely available in the ancient Mediterranean, tin, and sometimes lead, was a cheaper alternative to silver and gold. Thus, many more bronze vessels survive, buried in tombs or grave sites. Measurements: (circa) H 9.5cm x W 8.2cm Provenance: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.