Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A fabulous bronze patera, cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process - a complete vessel with a characteristically shallow, round bowl with a flanged, rounded interior rim, and a stunning fluted handle with a decorative collar at the juncture joining the bowl boasting lovely silver inlay, and resolving in a ram head terminal at the opposite end. The head of the ram is remarkably detailed with underslung, curled horns - each one finely delineated with ridged surfaces, a fleece coat rendered as individual curls, a long muzzle, and naturalistic facial features. The surface has developed a marvelous patina of green and russet hues, and the weight is pleasing in the hand. Size: 13.5" L (end to end) x 8.25" in diameter (bowl) (34.3 cm x 21 cm) In ancient times, a patera would have been used to serve food and drink at symposia/dinner parties or as is an offering dish to pour libations of wine and other liquids at religious ceremonies. An example like this one, with such high quality bronze and an ornate ram's head finial was most likely used in rituals. See another example in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1989.281.87) - https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/255965 Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #137689