Handles of a vase decorated with fantastic creatures Etruscan 6th – 5th century BC Bronze Length 26 cm and width 9 cm PROVENANCE: Private collection F. C., Barcelona. Acquired in a private collection of Marvonne Chenel, south of France. 1980. CONDITION: Intact. DESCRIPTION: Pair of semi-circular handles belonging to a vase or pot of relatively large dimensions made of solid bronze. Both symmetrical and parallel handles end in two spherical end pieces that fit into a piece with two circular holes. These handles connected at the extremes of the vessel would be welded or fixed over the shoulders of the vessel. The handles end in two sculpted figures; fantastic reclining beings, of which you can see the upright head and the body covered by large wings. They bring to mind, in a way, the winged horse Pegasus, but also, in the absence of a greater definition on the face, the mythological being, the Griffin. Made of relatively expensive bronze, rather than ceramic, metal plates like this example were probably part of the tableware owned by wealthy or aristocratic individuals. Utilitarian vessels for the serving of wine, like this Etruscan plate, were popular in the classical world beginning in the early Geometric period. They were very popular in symposia. Different models of this vessels (jugs, plates, bowls) were exported all around the Mediterranean, particularly to Italy, and as can be seen with this example, they were assimilated into the Etruscan culture. The general shape of the vessel continued for centuries and well into the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Etruscan art received direct influences from figurative Greek art, fundamentally as concerned the conception of the human body and naturalist depictions. This can be seen clearly in the wide production of terracotta sculpture from the 6th century BC and in the fresh colours used to decorate necropolis. Notes: The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. The piece includes authenticity certificate. The piece includes Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union) - If the piece is destined outside the European Union a substitution of the export permit should be requested. This process could take between 1 and 2 months. THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE FROM SPAIN ASKS ALL SELLERS FOR INVOICES OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION ABLE TO PROVE THE LEGALITY OF EACH ITEM BEFORE PROVIDING AN IMPORT OR EXPORT LICENSE. #yearofthedragon