Ancient Roman Bronze Cochlear Spoon – Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd Century AD (No reserve price)

03
days
21
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58
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Current bid
€ 35
No reserve price
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
BE
€35
BE
€30
IT
€25

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This Ancient Roman bronze cochlear spoon dates to the 1st–3rd century AD and measures 13.1 cm long.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Ancient Roman Bronze Cochlear Spoon – Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd Century AD

An attractive ancient Roman bronze Cochlear spoon, dating approximately to the 1st–3rd century AD and therefore around 1,700–1,900 years old.

The spoon measures 13.1 cm in length and weighs 16 grams.

It features an elongated, slightly teardrop-shaped bowl, a distinctive angular transition between the bowl and handle, and a long, slender handle tapering to a pointed end.

This characteristic design identifies the object as a Cochlear, a type of Roman eating utensil widely used during the Imperial period.

Cochlear spoons were particularly suitable for eating eggs, shellfish, snails and other delicacies. The pointed handle could also be used to extract food from shells.

A particularly interesting feature of this example is the pronounced angular offset between the bowl and the handle, together with the relatively substantial, elongated bowl.

A comparable Roman bronze spoon is preserved in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inventory number 17.230.60. Measuring approximately 12.9 cm, the museum example displays a closely related overall shape.

The present spoon differs in its somewhat heavier bowl construction and more pronounced transition to the handle.

Dimensions:

Length: 13.1 cm
Maximum width: 2.1 cm
Weight: 16 grams

Material: Bronze
Culture: Ancient Roman
Period: Roman Imperial Period
Estimated date: 1st–3rd century AD (approximately 100–300 AD)
Type: Cochlear / Cochlearium

Condition:

Ancient bronze with age-related surface characteristics and patina. Please refer to the photographs for the precise condition.

Reference:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Inv. 17.230.60 – Roman Bronze Spoon.

An attractive example of ancient Roman tableware, offering a tangible connection to everyday life and dining traditions in the Roman Empire.


Provenance:

Acquired from a private collection in Munich, Germany, in 2004.
The spoon has been in my possession since 2004.



Shipping:
Insured DHL parcel shipping within the European Union.

Shipping is only possible within the EU. Please take this into account before placing a bid.


Ancient Roman Bronze Cochlear Spoon – Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd Century AD

An attractive ancient Roman bronze Cochlear spoon, dating approximately to the 1st–3rd century AD and therefore around 1,700–1,900 years old.

The spoon measures 13.1 cm in length and weighs 16 grams.

It features an elongated, slightly teardrop-shaped bowl, a distinctive angular transition between the bowl and handle, and a long, slender handle tapering to a pointed end.

This characteristic design identifies the object as a Cochlear, a type of Roman eating utensil widely used during the Imperial period.

Cochlear spoons were particularly suitable for eating eggs, shellfish, snails and other delicacies. The pointed handle could also be used to extract food from shells.

A particularly interesting feature of this example is the pronounced angular offset between the bowl and the handle, together with the relatively substantial, elongated bowl.

A comparable Roman bronze spoon is preserved in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inventory number 17.230.60. Measuring approximately 12.9 cm, the museum example displays a closely related overall shape.

The present spoon differs in its somewhat heavier bowl construction and more pronounced transition to the handle.

Dimensions:

Length: 13.1 cm
Maximum width: 2.1 cm
Weight: 16 grams

Material: Bronze
Culture: Ancient Roman
Period: Roman Imperial Period
Estimated date: 1st–3rd century AD (approximately 100–300 AD)
Type: Cochlear / Cochlearium

Condition:

Ancient bronze with age-related surface characteristics and patina. Please refer to the photographs for the precise condition.

Reference:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Inv. 17.230.60 – Roman Bronze Spoon.

An attractive example of ancient Roman tableware, offering a tangible connection to everyday life and dining traditions in the Roman Empire.


Provenance:

Acquired from a private collection in Munich, Germany, in 2004.
The spoon has been in my possession since 2004.



Shipping:
Insured DHL parcel shipping within the European Union.

Shipping is only possible within the EU. Please take this into account before placing a bid.


Details

Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1. - 3. Century AD
Name of object
Cochlear Spoon – Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2005
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
GermanyVerified
New
on Catawiki
Private

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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