Römisches Reich Bronze Libations bowl, Patera

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Ancient Roman bronze ritual libations vessel / patera, with globular rounded body and broad open mouth with folded rim. The vessel is fitted with a separate long flat handle attachment, secured by a thin bronze band encircling the upper body just below the rim. The handle assembly remains in place and can still move slightly.

-> Bronze handled vessels of this kind could serve practical domestic functions or in ritual contexts, including the pouring of libations or other ceremonial offerings.

Condition: Good ancient and uncleaned condition with age-related wear, surface irregularities, and deposits. The vessel remains complete overall. The separate handle attachment and encircling bronze strip are preserved and still movable slightly in place beneath the folded rim. There are visible dents, deformation, encrustation of sand and surface corrosion consistent with age.

Size: ± 165 x 94 x 69 mm

Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.

-> Bronze domestic vessels occupied an important place in Roman daily life and ranged from simple utilitarian wares to finely made household and table equipment. Handled examples were especially practical, allowing safer lifting, carrying, or pouring, while their durable bronze construction made them suitable for repeated use over long periods.

Roman bronze-working reached a high standard, and even functional utensils were often carefully proportioned and thoughtfully constructed. Objects such as this show how separate fittings and attachments could be integrated into useful vessel forms. At the same time, the boundary between domestic and ritual equipment in the Roman world was not always strict, and some bronze vessels may also have played a role in offerings, washing, or libation ceremonies.