Ancient Greece, early Hellenistic period, ca. late 4th to 3rd century BCE. A beautiful cast-bronze situla handle with three primary components. The handle is comprised of a pair of semicircular grips with bent, rectangular forms boasting an upturned baluster terminal on each end. The handles are held in place with a mold-formed spout attachment in the form of a stylized lion head. The feline head depicts a flowing mane, a pair of cupped ears, arching eyebrows, circular eyes, a short nose, and a gaping mouth serving as the spout opening. Above the lion’s head are two petite perforations through which the handle terminals are fed. Each component is covered in smooth layers of dark-green and espresso hued patina, imbuing it with an elegant presentation characteristic of finely crafted Greek bronze! Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 9.5" L x 5" H (24.1 cm x 12.7 cm); 7.375" H (18.7 cm) on included custom stand.

A similar example hammered for $19,200 at Sotheby's, New York Antiquities Auction (June 6, 2006, lot 50): http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2006/antiquities-n08215/lot.50.html

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#133403

Surface wear commensurate with age and use, fading to features on lion head, slight bending to overall form of handle components, with some discoloration, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas, and lovely green and brown patina throughout.