Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A decorative cast bronze handle made to be applied to a chest or piece of furniture in the form of two dolphins, their noses pressed together around a central round, boss-like motif. Their tails are shaped like tridents. The dolphin was a strong motif in Classical culture as a whole; in the Homeric Hymn to Dionysus (Bacchus to the Romans) we learn that dolphins were once humans, created when sailors kidnapped Dionysus and he made them magically leap into the sea and transform into the grinning mammals. The dolphin was also considered the swiftest of all living beings, and is associated with godliness and royalty because of its place as king of the sea. Size: 6.45" W x 2.55" H (16.4 cm x 6.5 cm); 4.95" H (12.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#131014

Grey green patina on surface. One of the dolphins' mouths is slightly cracked and bent. Ancient loss to one trident/tail as shown.